How to Make French Fish Stew with Rouille Sauce

French fish stew, known as Bouillabaisse, is a delightful and aromatic dish that showcases the best of the Mediterranean's seafood bounty. To elevate your stew, Rouille sauce, a traditional garlic and saffron mayonnaise, adds a rich and flavorful kick. Below, you'll find a step-by-step guide on how to make this classic dish at home.

Ingredients for French Fish Stew

To prepare your Bouillabaisse, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 lb of firm white fish (such as cod or haddock)
  • 1/2 lb of mussels, cleaned
  • 1/2 lb of shrimp, deveined
  • 4 cups of fish stock
  • 1 cup of diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup of diced leeks
  • 1/2 cup of white wine
  • 1 teaspoon of saffron threads
  • 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Ingredients for Rouille Sauce

For the Rouille sauce, gather these ingredients:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • A squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions for Preparing Fish Stew

Follow these steps to create a delicious French fish stew:

  1. Prepare the Base: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, leeks, and garlic. Sauté until they become translucent.
  2. Add the Liquids: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes. Then, add the diced tomatoes, fish stock, saffron, fennel seeds, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  3. Incorporate the Seafood: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the firm white fish. After a few minutes, add the mussels and shrimp. Cover the pot and let everything cook for about 10 minutes, or until the mussels have opened and the seafood is cooked through.
  4. Season: Taste and season the stew with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Instructions for Making Rouille Sauce

While the stew is simmering, prepare the Rouille sauce:

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Add the saffron threads.
  2. Add Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking, creating an emulsion. The mixture should thicken up to a mayonnaise-like consistency.
  3. Final Touches: Season with salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. Adjust to taste.

Serving Your Bouillabaisse

To serve, ladle the hot fish stew into bowls and add a generous dollop of Rouille sauce on top. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up all the flavors of the broth.

Enjoy your homemade French fish stew with Rouille sauce, and savor the taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!