BOUILLABAISSE WITH ORANGE ZEST, FENNEL AND SAFFRON

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Bouillabaisse With Orange Zest, Fennel and Saffron image

This Mediterranean fish stew is more difficult to spell than to prepare, and it is traditionally neither an idée fixe nor the centerpiece of a grande bouffe, but a spur-of-the-moment combination of the day's catch. Trying to duplicate the real bouillabaisse is an exercise in frustration, as the traditional combination of fish is not found in American waters. But creating an admirable local version is no more difficult than making clam chowder. Though some will argue that bouillabaisse must contain fish stock, any time you add a few pounds of fish to a simmering stew there is enough fish essence to make stock superfluous. If additional liquid is needed, water will do just fine.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, seafood, soups and stews, main course

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium onions, roughly chopped
Zest of 2 navel or other oranges
2 teaspoons fennel seeds
Big pinch saffron, optional
1 dried chile, or cayenne to taste
1 28-ounce can of tomatoes, including juice
1 to 1 1/2 pounds monkfish, catfish, or blackfish, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 pounds hard-shell (littleneck) clams, cockles or mussels, well washed
1 to 1 1/2 pounds shrimp or scallops, cut into bite-size pieces if necessary
1 to 1 1/2 pounds cod or other delicate white-fleshed fish, cut into 6 large chunks
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup roughly chopped parsley

Steps:

  • Put olive oil in a casserole or large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add zest, fennel, saffron and chili, and cook for about a minute. Add tomatoes, and turn heat to medium-high. When mixture boils, reduce heat to medium, and cook 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes sauce-like.
  • Add monkfish and raise heat to medium-high. When mixture boils, reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the monkfish begins to lose its rubbery quality, 10 minutes or so.
  • Add clams, raise heat to high, and stir; when mixture boils, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until clams begin to open, 5 to 10 minutes. Add shrimp and white fish, stir, and cover. Cook, stirring gently once or twice, until white fish is just about done (a thin-bladed knife will pierce it with little resistance), about 5 minutes. (If mixture is very thick, add a cup or so of hot water.) Stir in garlic, and cook 1 minute more. Stir in parsley and serve, with crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 382, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 18 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 61 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 1593 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Angela Winborne
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I'm not a huge fan of seafood, but I really enjoyed this bouillabaisse. It was flavorful and the fish was cooked perfectly.


Timileyin Adedayo
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This bouillabaisse is a must-try for any seafood lover. It's packed with flavor and the fish is cooked to perfection.


Tarigi Springs
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I highly recommend this bouillabaisse recipe. It's easy to follow and the results are amazing.


Gowtom Dash
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This bouillabaisse is a great way to impress your guests. It's elegant and delicious.


Triki Taka
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I'm a big fan of bouillabaisse and this recipe is one of my favorites. It's so easy to make and always turns out delicious.


Solomon Bente
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This is my go-to recipe for bouillabaisse. It's always a hit with my guests.


MD Milon Sheikh
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I love this bouillabaisse! It's so flavorful and the fish is always cooked perfectly.


Ewald Roland Ornando Robles de Medina
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I've made this bouillabaisse several times and it never disappoints. It's a great recipe for a special occasion.


Gourab Ga
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This bouillabaisse is a keeper! It's easy to make and always a hit with my family and friends.


Mina Lovestick
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I followed the recipe exactly and the bouillabaisse turned out great. I would definitely recommend this recipe to others.


YouTube Shots
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I wasn't sure what to expect with this recipe, but I was pleasantly surprised. The bouillabaisse was delicious and very easy to make.


abubakar ismail sani
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The bouillabaisse was amazing! It was the best I've ever had. I will definitely be making this again.


kader rv
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I would have liked the bouillabaisse to be a bit spicier. I added some cayenne pepper and it was perfect.


Jason Tulick
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The bouillabaisse was delicious! The flavors were perfectly balanced and the fish was cooked to perfection.


Jam Zubair
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I thought the bouillabaisse was a bit bland. I added some extra salt and pepper and it was much better.


Victor Hlongwani
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This was my first time making bouillabaisse and it turned out great! The recipe was easy to follow and the dish was delicious. I will definitely be making this again.


Wisdom Godbest
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I'm not a huge fan of seafood, but I really enjoyed this bouillabaisse. The broth was flavorful and the fish was cooked perfectly. I'll definitely be making this again!


DXM08
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Bouillabaisse is one of my favorite dishes and this recipe is one of the best I've tried. The orange zest, fennel, and saffron add a unique and delicious flavor that sets this dish apart from others. I highly recommend it!