Pacific Cioppino Spice Blend

This unique blend of herbs and spices forms the foundation of the classic Cioppino.

Our Pacific Cioppino Spice Blend is a unique combination of herbs and spices that forms the foundation of the classic Italian-American seafood stew, Cioppino. With a delicate balance of aromatic herbs and subtle curry notes, this blend enhances traditional Cioppino while adding warmth and depth to a wide variety of dishes.

Cioppino is a tomato-based seafood stew believed to have been created by the Italian fishermen of North Beach, San Francisco, in the late 1800s using whatever seafood remained from the day’s catch. Often it included crab, shrimp, clams, and fish, combined with onions, garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and spices, then slow-cooked with olive oil and wine.

Originally prepared aboard fishing boats and in Italian homes, Cioppino later found its way into the restaurants along San Francisco’s waterfront, where it became one of the city’s most iconic dishes.

The origin of the word Cioppino remains something of a mystery. Many historians believe it comes from the Italian-American expression “chip in,” while another theory suggests it evolved from a traditional Genoese fish stew.

Suggested Uses

This versatile spice blend can be used well beyond Cioppino to enhance a variety of dishes.

Soups & Stews: Adds depth to tomato-based broths, chowders, and casseroles.

Seafood: An excellent seasoning for grilled white fish, salmon, or shrimp.

Poultry: Adds warmth and depth to roasted or grilled chicken.

Cocktails: Makes a unique and flavourful rim for a Caesar cocktail.

Vegetarian Dishes: Sprinkle over roasted vegetables, lentil stews, or chickpea curries for added warmth and complexity.

Classic Cioppino

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 25 g butter
• Splash of olive oil
• 1 tsp chopped garlic
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
• 4 stalks celery, roughly chopped
• 25 g all-purpose flour
• 25 g Pacific Cioppino Spice Blend
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• Splash of dry white wine
• 1 can good-quality Italian plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1 litre water

Method

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil.
2. Add the garlic and cook gently for a couple of minutes.
3. Add the chopped vegetables and cook until they begin to soften.
4. Mix the flour and Pacific Cioppino Spice Blend together, then stir into the vegetables. Continue stirring for several minutes until the oil has been absorbed and the vegetables are evenly coated.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another two minutes.
6. Add the white wine, tomatoes, and water, stirring to deglaze the bottom of the pot.
7. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30–45 minutes.
8. Leave the broth chunky or blend and strain for a smoother finish.
9. The broth can be covered and refrigerated for up to two days. To reheat, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently.

 

Adding the Seafood

Fresh, local, and seasonal seafood will always produce the best results.

Suggested Seafood

• Manila clams (scrubbed, beards removed, discard any open shells)
• Vancouver Island mussels
• Raw extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Scallops
• Halibut, cod, or salmon, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Dungeness crab meat

Method

1. Gently stir the prepared seafood into the simmering broth.
2. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the clams and mussels have opened and the shrimp are opaque. Avoid overcooking, as the seafood will continue to cook after being removed from the heat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately with freshly baked focaccia.

Enjoy your homemade Cioppino with the bold, rich flavours of our Pacific Cioppino Spice Blend.

 

Ingredients: Kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, curry spice, coriander, oregano, thyme, basil, red chili, and bay leaf.

Ingrédients : Sel, poivre noir, cumin, épices à curry, coriandre, origan, thym, basilic, piment rouge et feuille de laurier.