Aromatic Fish Stock Food

STRONG FISH STOCK

Steps:

• 1. Melt the butter in a heavy 7- to 8-quart stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, carrots, bay leaves, parsley, thyme, and peppercorns and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the vegetables become very soft without browning, about 8 minutes.
• 2. Place the fish head on the vegetables and stack the fish frames evenly on top. Pour in the wine, cover the pot tightly, and let the bones sweat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they have turned completely white.
• 3. Add enough very hot or boiling water to just barely cover the bones. Give the mixture a gentle stir and allow the brew to come to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered, carefully skimming off any white foam that comes to the surface, trying not to take any herbs, spices, or vegetables with it. (Using a ladle and a circular motion, push the foam from the center to the outside of the pot, where it is easy to remove.)
• 4. Remove the pot from the stove, stir the stock again, and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and season lightly with salt. If you are not going to be using the stock within the hour, chill it as quickly as possible. Cover the stock after it is thoroughly chilled (it will have a light jellied consistency) and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

AROMATIC FISH STOCK

Steps:

• Put the bones in a small saucepan and add just enough cold water to cover. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and simmer, skimming off any foam that forms on top, 10 minutes. Place the remaining ingredients in a bowl. Strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve into the bowl. Discard the bones. Steep the stock with the vegetables 1 minute. Strain again. Discard the vegetables. Keeps, covered in the refrigerator, up to 2 days.

TRADITIONAL FISH STOCK

Steps:

• In a 3 to 4-quart stockpot, combine the fish bones, white wine, and just enough water to cover (you won't need the full quart of water here). Bring to a boil, skimming off the white foam from the top of the stock as it approaches boiling, then reduce the heat so the stock simmers. (Using a ladle and a circular motion, push the foam from the center to the outside of the pot, where it is easy to remove).
• Add the onions, celery, carrots, bay leaves, parsley, thyme, and peppercorns and stir them into the liquid. If the ingredients are not covered by liquid, add a little more water. Allow the stock to simmer gently for 20 minutes.
• Remove the stock from the stove, stir it again, and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and season lightly with salt. If you are not going to be using the stock within the hour, chill it as quickly as possible. Cover the stock after it has completely cooled and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

FISH STOCK

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan, add the onion and cook for 3 mins. Tip in the fish heads and bones and cook, stirring occasionally for a further 4 mins. Pour in the wine and 1 litre of cold water. Drop in the herbs and a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, then cook for 20 mins, skimming when needed. Pass through a sieve and use for your intended recipe. Will keep in the fridge for a week and for three months in the freezer.