Carolina Cioppino

Friday Night Dinner

Since I cook to match the dietary needs of my guests, this is not your traditional cioppino (no tomatoes or vegetables). Let’s get started on a delicious hearty stew!

If we’re not at the beach, I head to Wegmans and pick through the available seafood. Since a step-son earns his way as a commercial fisherman, I steer away from farm raised seafood and go for wild caught! This most recent batch of Carolina Cioppino included oysters (wild caught from Virginia’s Northern Neck), scollops, shrimp, and Cajun sausage. Depending availability, I’ll also use clams, mussels, rockfish, tilefish, or flounder (I cut the fish info 2 oz. portions, adding with oysters and poach in the broth.).

Pan of Carolina Cioppino

Let’s get started cooking! To a large pan I cover the bottom with olive oil, heating on medium to saute 2 ounces of minced garlic and 1/2 pound of Cajun Sausage (sliced into 1/4 inch rounds). Once the garlic browns, add a tablespoon of butter and a pound of deveined shrimp (we like Carolina green tail shrimp). As the shrimp turn red, stir in 2 cups of Pinot Grigio wine (we like Barboursville Vineyards Pinot Grigio) and add 1/2 pound of sea scallops. Add 1/2 gram of Saffron (I usually rub the Saffron in the palm of my hand to break it up a wee bit). Sprinkle in Old Bay to taste (this is a Carolina recipe). Add a pint of shucked oysters and their juice! This is also when I’d add fish or shellfish when available. Cover and simmer till the oysters plump.

Some like their Carolina Cioppino served over rice (rice takes about the same time to prepare as Carolina Cioppino), I enjoy mine without rice. On recent cold winter nights, a bowl becomes the perfect meal to end the day! We often have crusty French bread with butter or cheese. There should be a glass or two of Pinot Grigio left to enjoy with the Carolina Cioppino as well.

You’re welcome to add tomatoes, vegetables, potatoes, and other ingredients your guests may like. I like to saute a couple ounces of chopped collard greens along with the garlic for a little twist. Experiment and have fun!

About James Friend Dickerson

Real Estate Consultant As a native of Central Virginia and a full time REALTOR since 1991, James listens to your needs to provide information allowing you to make informed choices. In our constantly changing world, you need a REALTOR who puts you first providing rigidly flexible service. James Dickerson provides a high level of service designed to fit each individual clients needs. Having received many awards from both the local Association of REALTORS and RE/MAX International, James is recognized as an authority on the local real estate market. The highest form of recognition James receives continues to be the many repeat clients who seek out his services time after time plus sending their relatives, friends, co-workers and neighbors to James for their real estate needs. Contact James today for an interview to discuss your real estate needs. James is a licensed real estate sales person in the Commonwealth of Virginia with Charlottesville Solutions. Personal As a Central Virginia native (Born in Charlottesville and raised in Albemarle and Louisa Counties), James' youth was filled with extra-curricular activities and organizations centered around school, church and the Boy Scouts of America. A graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Forestry and Wildlife Management, James' non-real estate activities include spending time with family & friends, traveling, stalking deer & spring gobblers, fly fishing, church and Masonic activities. James and his lovely bride Karen live between Zion Crossroads and Gordonsville in the Green Springs area of Louisa County. Their dog Sammy passed away so they'll be adopting another dog soon through www.petfinders.com.
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