Saffron Fish-Stew with Spicy Red Pepper Aiolo

Soups & Stews

This stew, rich with the taste of the Mediterranean, is an adaption of the Provencal soup de poisson, which is the strained essence or broth of a variety of fish, tomatoes and a variety of herbs. Here the broth is achieved using clam juice and shrimp shells, Once strained, potatoes and pieces of fish are added, the whole finished, like soup de poisson with toast topped with the essential spicy version of aioli.

By Georgeanne Brennan | December 01, 2012

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 4 Entree Serving(s)

Aioli

2 dried Chimayó, Cayenne or other hot chilies, seeded
6 to 8 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1⁄2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon boiling water
2 egg yolks, at room temperature
1⁄2 to 3⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
large pinch of coarse sea or kosher salt
2 large pinches of fresh breadcrumbs

Broth

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1⁄2 cup shrimp shells
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 stalks fennel, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 sprig parsley, 2 sprigs thyme and 1 bay leaf, tied together to make a bouquet garni
1 cup clam juice
4 cups chopped canned tomatoes with their juice
2 cups water
1⁄2 teaspoon sea or kosher salt
1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Stew

1 potato, peeled and cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces
1⁄2 cup minced celery
1 pound firm, white fish such as halibut or sea bass, cut into 1-inch cubes
1⁄2 cup clams
1⁄4 teaspoon saffron threads dissolved in 2 tablespoon strained broth
4 to 6 slices of baguette, toasted and rubbed with garlic clove and olive oil

Instructions

TO PREPARE AIOLI:

In a mortar with a pestle, grind the chillies to a powder. Add the garlic and salt and crush and pound until a paste forms. Add the breadcrumbs and the saffron and its soaking water and incorporate into the paste. Scrape the paste into a bowl. Add the egg yolks and whisk until the mixture has thickened. Whisking constantly, slowly add the olive oil, a drop at a time, whisking until he mixture emulsifies and forms a mayonnaise-like consistency. Add only as much of the oil as needed to achieve a good consistency. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

TO PREPARE BROTH:

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot. When it is hot, add the shrimp shells and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the onion and sauce until translucent, about 2 minutes; add the garlic, carrot, celery, fennel, bouquet garni, clam juice, tomatoes and their juices, the water and the salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the flavors are blended, about 15 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Using a Chinoise or a heavy sieve lined with several layers of cheese cloth, strain the broth. You should have about 6 to 7 cups of broth.

To finish stew

Place the strained broth in a clean, large pot. Bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat and add the potatoes and the celery. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are just tender when pierced with a knife, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the fish, parsley and saffron and cook just until the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the clams.

TO SERVE:

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a slice of toasted baguette topped with a tablespoon of the aioli. Serve the remaining aioli alongside, with additional toasts if desired.