Provençal Bourride Fish Stew With Aïoli Food

PROVENçAL BOURRIDE (FISH STEW WITH AïOLI)

Steps:

• Put all the stock ingredients in a large pan with 2.5 litres water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 hour, skimming off any scum floating on the top every now and then, until fragrant. Strain the stock (discard bones and veg), then set aside. You should have 1-1.2 litres fish stock.
• Meanwhile, make the aïoli. Whizz the garlic with the 3 egg yolks, the vinegar and a large pinch of salt in a food processor for 2-3 minutes until very smooth and paler in colour. With the motor running, gradually pour in the 250ml olive oil in a very thin stream. The mixture will thicken and emulsify into a rich mayonnaise. Next, whizz in the extra-virgin olive oil, then taste and season with lemon juice, if needed, and plenty more salt. Set aside.
• To make the fish stew, heat the 2 tbsp oil in a large saucepan or sauté pan with a lid. Add the onion and leek with some salt and cook over a medium heat, stirring often, for 10 minutes until softened but not coloured. Turn up the heat, pour in the 200ml white wine and bubble to reduce by two thirds. Pour in the reserved fish stock, bring to a simmer, then add the potatoes and cook, covered, for 15 minutes until just tender. Turn the heat down, carefully add the fish fillets, then cook gently, uncovered, for 3-4 minutes until just opaque and flaking - don't move them while they're cooking or they'll break up.
• Divide the toasted baguette slices among 6 shallow soup bowls, then use a slotted spoon to remove the fish and potatoes from the broth and divide among the bowls.
• Put half the aïoli in a medium bowl, then whisk in the remaining egg yolk, followed by a cup of the hot broth. Once smooth, whisk this back into the pan of broth, off the heat. Return the pan to a very low heat and cook, stirring, without boiling, for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning, stir in the parsley and the extra splash of wine, then ladle the hot broth over the fish in the bowls. Serve immediately, with the extra baguette and the remaining aïoli.

BOURRIDE SèTOISE - PROVENCE FISH SOUP WITH AïOLI

Steps:

• In a large pan bring to the boil the roughly chopped tomatoes and onions, 5 cloves of garlic, the thyme, saffron & orange zest.
• Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil & one glass of white wine plus 1 litre of water.
• Simmer for 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, pound the remaining garlic to a puree in a pestle and mortar (or liquidise it if you are feeling lazy).
• Blend in 2 egg yolks and add salt and pepper.
• Gradually beat in the remaining olive oil in a thin stream, using a whisk, until you feel the aioli is thick enough.
• Add lemon juice to taste and leave on one side. (Reward yourself for your efforts by drinking the other glass of wine!).
• Cut the skinned and boned fish into 1" chunks and add it to the saucepan.
• Poach for 15 minutes.
• Then remove the fish with a draining spoon and keep warm.
• Sieve the stock and discard the *vegetables.
• Return the stock to the pan and reheat gently.
• Take about half of the aioli and beat the remaining egg yolk into it. Then slowly pour the warmed stock onto it, stirring constantly.
• Return this mixture to the pan and heat gently, stirring all the time, until it thickens slightly.
• It should be like rather thin custard. Don't let it boil, or it will curdle.
• Divide the cooked fish between serving bowls and pour the soup over it.
• Serve with thin slices of toasted French bread and the remaining aioli.
• NOTE: I serve the *vegetables - tomatoes, onions & garlic on the side as an extra vegetable.

BOURRIDE WITH LEMON AïOLI

Steps:

• Transfer 1 1/3 cups aioli to medium bowl; reserve remaining aioli. Mix lemon juice and saffron in small bowl; set aside.
• Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add leeks, fennel, and carrots; sauté 10 minutes. Stir in bay leaves and orange peel, then clam juice and lemon-saffron mixture. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Add fish; reduce heat to medium. Simmer until fish is opaque in center, occasionally spooning liquid over fish to submerge if necessary, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer fish to large bowl; cover.
• Boil liquid in pot 10 minutes to reduce slightly. Whisk 1/2 cup reduced liquid into bowl with 1 1/3 cups aioli, then whisk in egg yolks. Return yolk-aioli mixture to remaining liquid in pot. Using wooden spoon, stir constantly over medium-low heat until sauce thickens slightly, about 7 minutes (do not boil). Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper. Stir fish and any accumulated juices into hot sauce in pot; let stand until fish is heated through, about 5 minutes.
• Divide bourride among 8 shallow bowls. Garnish with chervil sprigs, if desired. Serve remaining aioli alongside.