Best 3 Provencal Fish Soup Recipes

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**Introduction:**

Dive into the heart of Provence with a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of the Mediterranean - the Provencal Fish Soup. This traditional French dish, also known as "Bouillabaisse," is a symphony of flavors, colors, and textures that pays homage to the region's bountiful seafood and aromatic herbs. Our article presents a collection of authentic Provencal Fish Soup recipes that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera. Each recipe has been carefully curated to showcase the diverse culinary heritage of Provence, using fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. From the classic Bouillabaisse recipe, brimming with an array of Mediterranean fish, to lighter variations that cater to different tastes and preferences, our article has something for every seafood enthusiast. Embark on a culinary journey through the picturesque landscapes of Provence, and discover the essence of this iconic dish that has captivated hearts and taste buds for centuries.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PROVENçAL FISH STEW



Provençal Fish Stew image

This dish turns the proportion of fish to vegetables on its head -- more vegetables, less fish. There's enough shrimp and squid to let you know you're eating a fish stew, but enough chickpeas and spinach to let you know it is something different. A puttanesca-like seasoning of garlic, olives, capers, anchovies and tomato paste flavors the braise.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, quick, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup cooked or canned chickpeas
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
Salt and ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup niçoise or oil-cured olives, pitted and chopped
1 tablespoon capers, chopped
2 or 3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 pound spinach
2 cups fish or vegetable stock, or water
Pinch red chile flakes (optional)
8 ounces squid, roughly chopped
8 ounces shrimp, roughly chopped

Steps:

  • Drain chickpeas. If you used dried, reserve cooking liquid; if they are canned, discard the liquid and rinse the chickpeas. Put 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it's hot, add bread crumbs, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until they're crisp and toasted, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from pan.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the skillet; increase heat to medium-high. When oil is hot, add garlic, olives, capers and anchovies. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, a minute or two. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until it darkens slightly, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Start adding spinach a handful at a time; keep stirring until all the spinach fits in the pan and starts to release its water; sprinkle with a little more pepper, then add the stock, chickpeas and red chile flakes if you're using them. Adjust the heat so the mixture bubbles gently but steadily, then stir in the squid and the shrimp. Cook until the seafood is just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning. Divide among bowls, sprinkle with bread crumbs and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 523, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 38 grams, Fat 21 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 48 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 1115 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

PROVENCAL FISH SOUP



Provencal Fish Soup image

Provided by Barbara Kafka

Categories     weekday, soups and stews, side dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 5 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 medium onion, cut in 1/4-inch dice
1/2 cup olive oil
8 medium cloves garlic, smashed, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
5 grams stem saffron (two 2 1/2-gram packages)
1/2 cup dry white wine, preferably Macon or sauvignon blanc
1 1/2 28-ounce cans whole tomatoes in puree, strained and lightly crushed
5 cups extra-rich fish stock (see recipe)
1/4 teaspoon dry thyme
1/2 bay leaf
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup anise liquor, like Pernod

Steps:

  • In a medium stockpot, cook onion in oil over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until translucent. Stir in garlic, and cook for additional 7 minutes. Stir in chili powder and cayenne. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
  • Soak saffron in 1/4 cup white wine for a few minutes. Stir saffron wine, tomatoes, fish stock, thyme and bay leaf into onions. Bring to boil, lower heat, and simmer for 45 minutes.
  • Remove bay leaf. Pass soup through food mill fitted with medium disk. Return soup to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Soup can be made ahead up to this point and refrigerated.
  • In small saucepan, heat anise liquor. Set it on fire, and allow alcohol to burn off. Pour anise liquor into soup. Stir in additional wine. Bring to boil. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 362, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 24 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 1323 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams

PROVENCAL FISH SOUP WITH SAFFRON ROUILLE



Provencal Fish Soup with Saffron Rouille image

Provided by Paul Grimes

Categories     Soup/Stew     Fish     Tomato     Christmas     Lunch     Saffron     Fennel     Leek     White Wine     Winter     Gourmet     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 8 (first course) servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

4 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), chopped
1 large fennel bulb, stalks discarded, reserving fronds for garnish, and bulb chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
2 large celery ribs, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon herbes de Provence
2 California or 4 Turkish bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/8 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
5 pounds whole whiting, perch, or cod (preferably with heads), cleaned and rinsed well
5 medium tomatoes, chopped (4 cups)
2 cups dry white wine
4 (3- by 1-inch) strips fresh orange zest
6 cups water
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 baguette, cut into 3/4-inch-thick slices
Equipment:
Equipment: a food mill fitted with medium disk
Accompaniment
Accompaniment: saffron rouille

Steps:

  • Wash leeks .
  • Cook leeks, fennel bulb, carrots, celery, and garlic in oil with herbes de Provence, bay leaves, cayenne, saffron, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in an 8-quart heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes.
  • While vegetable mixture cooks, cut fish crosswise into 2- to 3-inch lengths.
  • Add tomatoes, wine, and zest to vegetable mixture and bring to a boil, then boil 30 seconds. Add fish, water, and tomato paste and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until fish completely falls apart, about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.
  • Arrange baguette slices in 1 layer on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and thoroughly dried, about 20 minutes.
  • Force soup through food mill into a large heavy pot, discarding solids. Reheat soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Mound rouille on croutons and put 1 in bottom of each soup bowl. Pour soup around croutons.

Tips for Crafting a Provencal Fish Soup

- Use a variety of fresh fish and seafood for a richer flavor. - Enhance the soup's taste with a flavorful, aromatic broth made from fish bones, vegetables, and herbs. - Incorporate a medley of Mediterranean vegetables like fennel, tomatoes, onions, and peppers for added texture and flavor. - Elevate the soup's taste with saffron, a key ingredient that imparts a vibrant color and distinct aroma. - Balance the flavors with a combination of garlic, orange zest, and a hint of Pernod or Ricard. - Don't overcrowd the soup with too many ingredients to allow each flavor to shine through. - Serve with a classic Rouille, a spicy mayonnaise-based sauce, and crusty bread for an authentic Provencal experience.

Conclusion

Provencal fish soup is not just a culinary delight but also a celebration of the bountiful flavors of the Mediterranean. By following these tips and combining the freshest ingredients, you can create an unforgettable soup that embodies the essence of this iconic French dish. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a casual gathering, this Provencal fish soup will impress your guests with its vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and delectable taste.

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