French Bouillabaisse: Traditional Provençal Fish Stew
A classic Provençal fish stew from Marseille, Bouillabaisse features a medley of fresh fish and shellfish simmered in a saffron-infused broth with tomatoes, fennel, and aromatic herbs. Served with garlicky rouille and crusty bread, it's a celebration of Mediterranean flavors and French coastal tradition.
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 200 g sea bass cut into chunks
- 200 g red mullet cut into chunks
- 200 g monkfish cut into chunks
- 300 g mussels cleaned and debearded
- 200 g clams or shrimp optional, cleaned
- 2 onions sliced
- 1 leek sliced
- 1 fennel bulb sliced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 4 ripe tomatoes chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 liters fish stock or water
- 1 orange zest from 1 orange
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs thyme
- to taste salt and pepper
- for serving rouille sauce see notes
- for serving crusty bread
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, leek, and fennel; sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add garlic and tomatoes; cook until tomatoes break down and mixture thickens.
- Stir in orange zest, saffron, bay leaves, and thyme. Pour in fish stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the firm fish (sea bass, monkfish, red mullet) and cook for 5–7 minutes. Add mussels, clams, and/or shrimp; cook until shellfish open and fish is just cooked through.
- Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot in bowls with a ladle of broth, assorted seafood, and vegetables. Accompany with rouille sauce and crusty bread.
Notes
For authentic rouille: blend 2 garlic cloves, 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 pinch saffron, and 1 cup olive oil until thick. Season with salt and a dash of cayenne. Serve bouillabaisse with rouille and crusty bread. Use the freshest seafood available for best results.
Nutrition
Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 38gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 18mg
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