Homemade Fish Stock Sallye Recipes

HOMEMADE FISH STOCK

Steps:

• Wash fish in cold water and drain well.
• Melt butter in a pan over low heat. Add leeks, carrot, and celery; cook until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add fish parts, wine, and water and bring to a boil, about 5 minutes. Skim and discard residue. Add bouquet garni, peppercorns, and lemon; return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes; skim and discard residue frequently.
• Strain stock into a bowl through a colander lined with cheesecloth. Allow to cool before storing in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

STRONG FISH STOCK

Steps:

• 1. Melt the butter in a heavy 7- to 8-quart stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, carrots, bay leaves, parsley, thyme, and peppercorns and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the vegetables become very soft without browning, about 8 minutes.
• 2. Place the fish head on the vegetables and stack the fish frames evenly on top. Pour in the wine, cover the pot tightly, and let the bones sweat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they have turned completely white.
• 3. Add enough very hot or boiling water to just barely cover the bones. Give the mixture a gentle stir and allow the brew to come to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered, carefully skimming off any white foam that comes to the surface, trying not to take any herbs, spices, or vegetables with it. (Using a ladle and a circular motion, push the foam from the center to the outside of the pot, where it is easy to remove.)
• 4. Remove the pot from the stove, stir the stock again, and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and season lightly with salt. If you are not going to be using the stock within the hour, chill it as quickly as possible. Cover the stock after it is thoroughly chilled (it will have a light jellied consistency) and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

TRADITIONAL FISH STOCK

Steps:

• In a 3 to 4-quart stockpot, combine the fish bones, white wine, and just enough water to cover (you won't need the full quart of water here). Bring to a boil, skimming off the white foam from the top of the stock as it approaches boiling, then reduce the heat so the stock simmers. (Using a ladle and a circular motion, push the foam from the center to the outside of the pot, where it is easy to remove).
• Add the onions, celery, carrots, bay leaves, parsley, thyme, and peppercorns and stir them into the liquid. If the ingredients are not covered by liquid, add a little more water. Allow the stock to simmer gently for 20 minutes.
• Remove the stock from the stove, stir it again, and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and season lightly with salt. If you are not going to be using the stock within the hour, chill it as quickly as possible. Cover the stock after it has completely cooled and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

HOMEMADE FISH STOCK (SALLYE)

Steps:

• 1. Peel scallions or onions and finely dice.
• 2. Place heavy stock pot over medium heat and add the olive oil
• 3. When oil starts to shimmer, add the fish head and bones, shrimp shells and peppercorns to the heated oil. Season with salt and cook for 2-3 minutes until fish head turns opaque. Add scallions or onions, thyme and parsley or cilantro while stirring with wooden spoon.
• 4. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bones and shells are also opaque.
• 5. Add the wine and the bay leaf and cook for 1 minute just until wine begins to boil.
• 6. Add 2 quarts of water and turn heat to medium low or low, just high enough to simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, then strain the stock. (I strain mine twice just to make sure I get all the bones).
• 7. Store in airtight container in refrigerator until ready to use (for 2-4 days). Can be easily frozen for up to 2 months.
• 8. You can usually get the fish heads and bones cheap (or sometimes even free) at a quality sea food market.