Italian Seafood Stew

by Marlyn
(Vancouver, Canada)

Also known as Chioppino, this is easy and delicious.

Use any combination of the following seafood as per your family's preferences and budget:
* clams in shell
* mussels in shell
* lobster
* scallops
* snow crab claws
* oysters
* white fish (cod, sole, snapper)
* shrimp or prawns

Stew
* vegetable oil to coat fry pan
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
* 1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
* 48 ounces canned whole tomatoes
* 7 1/2 ounce can clam juice
* 2 tbsp lemon juice
* 1 bay leaf
* 1/2 tsp oregano
* 1 tsp sugar
* 1 tsp salt
* pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup white wine
* chopped fresh parsley for garnish
* lemon wedges for garnish

(1) add enough oil to fry pan to saute green pepper, onion, mushrooms and garlic. Saute 2-5 minutes.
(2) add all the other ingredients (mostly seasonings) except seafood and wine. Simmer 20 minutes. This sauce can be made a day ahead, and enhances flavour.
(3) add fish (expect shrimp or prawns) and simmer another 20 minutes.
(4) add shrimp and/or prawns and wine just before serving.

Serve with fresh crusty bread and fresh crisp salad.