Fish Stew Recipe

Name: Fish Stew Recipe
Ingredients: 4 cups clam juice or fish stock (or the bones of one large, mild-flavored fish plus 4 cups water); 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 bay leaf; 1 fresh thyme sprig; 1 fresh Italian parsley sprig; 5 whole black peppercorns; 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 medium leeks, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (white and light green parts only); 1 medium fennel bulb, outside layer discarded, cored, and cut into medium dice; 2 medium garlic cloves, minced; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 pound littleneck clams, scrubbed and soaked in several changes of cold water; 2 pounds mixed white mild-flavored fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or grouper), skin on or off, cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh chervil or tarragon leaves; 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves; 1 cup aioli (optional); Crusty French baguette, for serving

20 ingredients

16 steps

Ingredients

4 cups clam juice or fish stock (or the bones of one large, mild-flavored fish plus 4 cups water)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 bay leaf
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 fresh Italian parsley sprig
5 whole black peppercorns
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium leeks, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (white and light green parts only)
1 medium fennel bulb, outside layer discarded, cored, and cut into medium dice
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 pound littleneck clams, scrubbed and soaked in several changes of cold water
2 pounds mixed white mild-flavored fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or grouper), skin on or off, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh chervil or tarragon leaves
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 cup aioli (optional)
Crusty French baguette, for serving

Directions

1

Place all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2

Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the flavors meld, about 30 minutes.
3

Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium saucepan and keep warm.
4

Drain the tomatoes and discard the liquid.
5

Using your hands and working over a medium bowl, break the tomatoes into rough 3/4-inch pieces, discarding the cores but keeping any liquid and seeds; set aside.
6

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
7

Add the leeks and fennel and cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are translucent and the fennel has softened, about 5 minutes.
8

Add the garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
9

Add the wine and let simmer until nearly evaporated, about 3 minutes.
10

Add the reserved tomatoes (along with their seeds and juices) and the warm broth, stir to combine, and bring to a boil.
11

Reduce the heat to medium low, add the clams, and simmer until they just start to open, about 2 to 3 minutes.
12

Meanwhile, season the fish lightly with salt and pepper.
13

Gently submerge the fish in the broth and bring to a simmer, cooking until the fish just starts to flake when pierced with a fork and the clams open, about 8 to 10 minutes.
14

Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
15

Sprinkle with the fresh herbs, ladle into bowls, and (if you choose) top each with a dollop of aioli.
16

Serve with the baguette.