Bouillabaisse is a traditional French seafood stew from the port city of Marseille. It’s made with a variety of fish, shellfish, vegetables, and flavorful herbs. This rich and comforting dish is usually served with crusty bread and a garlic sauce called rouille. Don’t worry—despite the fancy name, it’s simple to make and perfect for seafood lovers!
Ingredients (Serves 4) 🛒
500g firm white fish fillets (like cod, snapper, or sea bass), cut into chunks
250g mussels or clams, cleaned
250g shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined
1 onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 leek (white part only), sliced
1 small fennel bulb, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
A pinch of saffron (optional but traditional)
4 cups fish stock (or water with fish bouillon)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Zest of 1 orange (optional, for a fresh twist)
For Serving 🍞
Crusty bread or baguette slices
Rouille (optional garlic-mayo sauce)
Instructions 👩🍳
1. Prepare the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, leek, fennel, and garlic.
Cook for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, saffron (if using), and orange zest.
Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
3. Pour in the Stock
Add the fish stock to the pot.
Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the Fish and Shellfish
Carefully add the chunks of white fish first.
Let them cook for 5 minutes.
Then add the mussels and shrimp.
Cook for another 5 minutes or until the shellfish are fully opened and the shrimp are pink and tender.
5. Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper to your liking.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
6. Serve the Bouillabaisse
Ladle the stew into bowls with plenty of broth, fish, and seafood.
Serve hot with slices of crusty bread on the side.
Top with a spoonful of rouille if you like it extra garlicky. 🧄🍞
Bouillabaisse is hearty, warm, and full of rich flavors from the sea. It’s perfect for a cozy weekend meal or a dinner that feels just a little bit special. One spoonful and you’ll feel like you’re dining on the coast of southern France!