Cioppino

Ingredients

8 clams and/or mussels
9 T + 1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 lb. shrimp, peeled
1/2 lb. cod or sea bass
1 green pepper, cut in 1/2" pieces
1/4 C chopped onion
2 cloved garlic, minced
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 14 1/2 oz. can tomatoes
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 C sliced mushrooms
1/3 C red wine
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano

Directions

Thaw clams and shrimp, if frozen. Wash clams well. Combine 8 cups water and 3 T salt . Add clams; soak 15 minutes. Drain and rinse. Discard water. Repeat soaking, draining, and rinsing twice. Devein shrimp. Cut fish into 1 1/2" pieces. Cover and refrigerate fish and shellfish until needed.

For stew, in a large saucepan combine green pepper, onion, garlic, and 2 T water. Cover and cook about 3 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, mushrooms, wine, basil, oregano, 1/8 tsp. salt, and pepper. Bring to boiling, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes,

Carefully add clams, shrimp, and fish. Return just to boiling, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer gently for 3 to 6 minutes or until fish is done and clams open. Discard any unopened clams. Makes 4 servings.