A traditional French fish stew:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs mixed fish (such as halibut, cod, sea bass, and shrimp), cleaned and cut into large pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 fennel bulb, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups fish stock or chicken stock
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, fennel, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the saffron, crushed tomatoes, fish stock, white wine, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add the fish to the pot and gently stir to combine. Cover and simmer until the fish is cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.


SIDE DISHES
- Garlic bread: A warm and crusty loaf of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to sop up the flavorful broth in Bouillabaisse.
- Salad: A refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the rich and hearty stew. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette would be a great choice.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and can provide a nice balance to the savory flavors in the Bouillabaisse. Try roasting some root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips or some seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
- Rice or crusty bread: The Bouillabaisse broth is so delicious that you’ll want to make sure you have something to soak it up with. A side of rice or some crusty bread would be perfect for this.
- Grilled or roasted seafood: If you’re a seafood lover, you could also grill or roast some additional seafood to serve alongside the Bouillabaisse. Grilled shrimp or scallops would be a great addition.
Bouillabaisse is traditionally served with a dry white wine, and there are several options that would pair well with this dish and its sides:
- Sauvignon Blanc: This crisp and refreshing white wine has a bright acidity that pairs well with the rich flavors of Bouillabaisse. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley or New Zealand.
- Chablis: This dry white wine from Burgundy has a minerally flavor and a crisp acidity that makes it a great match for seafood. It can also complement the roasted vegetables and garlic bread sides.
- Sancerre: Another white wine from the Loire Valley, Sancerre is known for its herbaceous notes and bright acidity. It can be a great choice for Bouillabaisse and pairs well with green salads.
- Rosé: A dry rosé can also be a good match for Bouillabaisse, especially in the summertime. Look for a rosé from Provence or Bandol.
As a general rule, aim for a dry white wine with bright acidity and mineral notes to complement the flavors in Bouillabaisse. I hope this helps!

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