Monkfish Stew With Saffron Broth Recipes

Steps:

• Soak the clams in cold water to remove grit and sand, then drain. Rinse and de-beard the mussels. Put the monkfish, scrod, squid and bay scallops (if using) in separate small bowls. Season the fish lightly with salt and pepper.
• Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and leeks and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato, thyme, bay leaf, saffron, garlic, paprika and red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5 minutes.
• Turn the heat to high, add the fish stock, chicken broth or water, and bring to a boil. Taste for salt and adjust to taste. Add the potatoes and reduce the heat so they simmer gently until firm-tender, about 10 minutes. (The stew may be prepared to this point up to 2 hours ahead.)
• To finish the stew, return the heat to a brisk simmer. Add the clams and cook till they open, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the mussels, monkfish and scrod and simmer until the mussels open, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the squid and scallops, if using, and cook 1 minute more. Turn off the heat, stir in the garlic-saffron sauce.

Steps:

• Heat oil in a nonstick saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions, mushrooms, shallots, bay leaf, thyme sprigs and garlic. Cook, stirring, until wilted, about 3 minutes.
• Add flour and blend well. Add wine, fish broth, cloves, salt and pepper. Blend well with a wire whisk. Bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes.
• Add fish cubes, bring to a simmer and cook about 4 minutes or until done. Add butter and blend well. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot with croutons (see recipe) on the side.