Bourride à la Sétoise

Updated Feb. 17, 2021

Bourride à la Sétoise
Danny Ghitis for The New York Times
Total Time
1 hour
Rating
5(49)
Comments
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This deeply flavored fish stew is a traditional specialty of Sète, a working-class Mediterranean port in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. While it has largely vanished from restaurants, it still turns up as a showpiece on Sunday and holiday tables. Save some time by having your fish counter do the skinning and boning for you, if possible. As a starter course, it can easily serve six. —Elaine Sciolino

Featured in: In France, a Yearly Feast of Fish

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings
  • cups olive oil, plus more as needed
  • 1leek, thinly sliced
  • 2medium onions, chopped
  • 2carrots, chopped
  • 1tomato, chopped
  • 3sprigs parsley, leaves removed and chopped
  • 6cloves garlic, finely minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1cup white wine
  • 2 to 2½pounds monkfish, skinned and boned
  • 1egg yolk
  • 1teaspoon lemon juice
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

689 calories; 57 grams fat; 8 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 40 grams monounsaturated fat; 7 grams polyunsaturated fat; 11 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 4 grams sugars; 26 grams protein; 845 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Make the Base

    1. Step 1

      Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in Dutch oven or other large lidded pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the leek, onions, carrots, tomato, parsley and about ⅓ of the minced garlic. Reduce heat to medium, season with salt and pepper, and cover. Cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.

    2. Step 2

      Add wine and 1½ cups water and cook for another 5 or 10 minutes, or until vegetables are very tender. Transfer mixture to a food processor and purée until smooth. Set aside.

  2. Make the Fish

    1. Step 3

      Season fish with salt. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet, add fish and cook over low heat, 3 to 4 minutes each side. Work in batches, adding more oil as needed to keep fish from sticking.

    2. Step 4

      Return purée to Dutch oven along with fish and any juices. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until fish is cooked through.

  3. Make the Aioli

    1. Step 5

      Combine the remaining garlic, a pinch of salt, egg yolk and lemon juice in a bowl; whisk to combine. Begin to add the remaining cup or so of oil a drop at a time, whisking constantly. Once mixture is emulsified, continue to add oil in a steady stream until fully incorporated and mixture is thick, with the consistency of mayonnaise. Season as needed.

    2. Step 6

      Using a slotted spoon, gently transfer fish to a plate and keep warm. Adjust seasoning of the base. Remove base from heat and whisk in the aioli. Add fish back in before serving.

Ratings

5 out of 5
49 user ratings
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Comments

I made this in France, using monkfish from the market around the corner, which the fishmonger boned and skinned for me. I was a little more generous with the garlic and also added some saffron to the broth. Delicious! I will make it again for New Year's Eve.

I added a squeeze of lemon. Added slice of toasted crusty bread with aoli.

Followed recipe exactly. I'd call it pleasant... but not exciting. Kinda average.

I am a big fan of NYT’s recipes, but I did not care for this one. The pureeing of the vegetables over powers the delicate fish (I used halibut). Also not enough liquid. There are much better bourride recipes.

I added a squeeze of lemon. Added slice of toasted crusty bread with aoli.

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Credits

Adapted from “Larousse des Cuisines Régionales,” by Alix Baboin-Jaubert

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