French Country Fish Mussel Stew Food

COD AND MUSSEL STEW WITH HARISSA

Steps:

• Make the harissa: In a blender or small food processor, place roasted pepper, garlic, paprika, cumin, caraway, cayenne and salt. Add 1/2 cup oil and pulse briefly to a smooth purée, making sure not to overprocess. Transfer to a bowl. (Alternatively, finely chop the roasted pepper by hand, and mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.) Set aside.
• Season fish chunks on both sides with salt and pepper, and place in a bowl. Add garlic, shallot, cumin, coriander, lemon juice, chopped cilantro and red-pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly and leave to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Set a Dutch oven or wide heavy pot over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons oil. When oil is wavy, add fish chunks in one layer and let sizzle for 1 minute. Add bay leaves and tomato (and any remaining marinade) plus 1 cup water, and bring to a brisk simmer. Set mussels on top of fish chunks and cover pot. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, until mussels have opened. Turn off heat and leave covered for 5 minutes before serving.
• Divide seafood among deep plates or low soup bowls. Ladle juices from pot over each serving. Dollop each serving with about 2 tablespoons harissa. Garnish with cilantro sprigs. Pass more harissa at the table.

MUSSEL STEW WITH PINEAU DES CHARENTES

Steps:

• Combine first 5 ingredients in large Dutch oven over high heat. Boil 3 minutes. Add mussels. Cover and cook until mussels open, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Using slotted spoon, transfer mussels to serving bowl, discarding any that do not open; cover and keep warm. Reserve cooking liquid.
• Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic and sauté 3 minutes. Add flour and stir 1 minute. Whisk in reserved cooking liquid. Boil until reduced to 3/4 cup, about 7 minutes. Whisk in cream and parsley. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until liquid is reduced to 1 cup, about 3 minutes. Mix in Pineau des Charentes. Season with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over mussels and serve.