Fumet Food

FUMET

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, leek, fennel fronds, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 6 minutes. Add the lobster shells and shrimp shells, parsley, and bay leaf; cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Stir in the wine, clam juice, tomatoes, and 1 1/2 cups water. Reduce heat to medium low; simmer, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes.
• Pour the stock through a fine sieve into a medium bowl; discard the solids. Add the saffron and cayenne. Season with salt. The fumet can be stored in the freezer up to 3 months.

FISH STOCK

Steps:

• Place all ingredients plus 2 quarts water in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil over high heat; immediately reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes. Skim the surface and strain liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container.

FISH FUMET

Steps:

• Sweat the bones and vegetables Heat the oil in a medium stockpot over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add fish parts, celery, and leek. Cover and cook, stirring once or twice, until vegetables are soft and translucent and flesh on the bones has turned opaque but not brown, about 3 minutes.
• Make stock Add wine and reduce by half, 3 to 5 minutes, then add enough water to cover by 1/2 inch (about 2 quarts) along with the bay leaf and peppercorns. Bring to just under a boil over medium-high heat, skimming foam with a ladle as it rises to the surface, then reduce heat and gently simmer (bubbles should just gently break the surface) for 35 minutes, skimming frequently.
• Strain stock Pass mixture through a fine sieve into a heatproof bowl or another pot (do not press on solids), discarding solids. Skim off fat. If not using immediately, let cool completely (in an ice-water bath, if desired) before transferring to airtight containers. Fish fumet can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months; thaw completely in the refrigerator before using.
• Ask your fishmonger to save the bones and heads from the fish in advance; firm-fleshed white fish, such as snapper, bass, and halibut, work best. Avoid oily fish (such as mackerel and tuna).

FISH FUMET (FANCY FISH STOCK)

Steps:

• Wash the fish parts in cool water, removing and discarding any blood or bits of innards.
• Put the fish and 2 Tbs salt in a large bowl, cover with tap water, and let soak for 30 minute.
• Drain off salty water.
• Break the fish frames into large pieces and put them in a heavy stock pot.
• Add the onion, leek, celery, peppercorns, bay leaf and fresh herbs.
• Pour the wine and 8 cups of water into the pot and bring it to a boil over medium high heat.
• Skim off any fat that forms on top.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 25-30 min -- NO LONGER THAN 30 MIN! Do not overcook.
• Strain the mixture and discard the fish, vegetables, and herbs.
• Cool to room temperature and refrigerate, covered, overnight.
• Skim off any fat that has formed on top of the fumet.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to two days and use as directed in specific recipes. Fumet can be frozen for as long as two months.
• For a stronger fumet, transfer the hot fumet to a clean saucepan over medium heat and simmer until reduced by half, about 15 minute.