Cioppino

Cioppino

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1/2 pound (about 1 1/2) leeks, ends trimmed, halved lengthwise and
sliced diagonally 1/2-inch thick
1 small clove garlic, pressed or minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 dried bay leaf
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
1 1/2 cups peeled and diced tomatoes, cut into 3/4-inch dice
8 ounces tomato sauce
1 cup dry white or red wine
1/2 to 1 cup clam juice
Salt
Hot sauce
4 to 6 ounces large shrimp (16 to 20 count per pound), shelled and deveined
1/2 pound large scallops
6 ounces firm, light-flesh fish steaks (such as swordfish), cut
into 1 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons cold butter, chopped
Freshly chopped basil and oregano, for garnish

In a medium, heavy-bottom pot heated over medium-high heat, add the
oil, then stir in the onions, leeks, garlic, parsley, bay leaf,
oregano, thyme, pepper and saffron. Cook, stirring frequently,
until the onion is translucent and the herbs are fragrant, 6 to 8
minutes.

Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce and wine. Cover and simmer
gently to develop the flavors, 30 to 45 minutes. Thin if desired
with 1/2 cup to 1 cup clam juice. Season with 2 teaspoons salt and
1 tablespoon hot sauce, or to taste. The cioppino base can be made
ahead of time to this point; remove from heat, cover and
refrigerate up to one day (reheat before continuing).

To the pot, add the shrimp, scallops and fish. Cover and simmer
gently just until the fish and shellfish are firm and opaque, about
10 minutes. Uncover the pot and remove from heat. Stir in the
chopped cold butter, stirring just until the butter melts to add a
little richness to the broth. This makes about 5 cups cioppino.
Ladle the cioppino into wide bowls, garnishing each serving with
freshly chopped basil and oregano. Serve immediately.

Servings: 4