Fish Fumet

Name: Fish Fumet
Yield: makes about 6 cups
Ingredients: 2 pounds bones from white fish, such as trout, snapper, flounder, or bass; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1 cup diced leek (thoroughly washed) and/or fennel trimmings (bulb and feathery tops); 1 cup mushroom trimmings, or 6 button mushrooms; 2 cups dry white wine; Bouquet Garni (p. 145) made with bay leaf, thyme, tarragon, parsley stems; 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns; 1/4 teaspoon salt

December 14, 2011

“Fumet” is the French term for an aromatic broth (typically fish or vegetable, though it can also refer to a meat stock) that is simmered down to concentrate the flavors. Making your own fish stock is easier than you think and adds irreplaceable flavor to recipes, such as Gulf Coast Bouillabaisse (p. 220) and Southern Shrimp Stew (p. 228). Whatever you don’t use can be frozen in small plastic containers (for up to 2 months), so you can pull it out for quick seafood pasta, risotto, or poaching liquid for a fresh fillet.

Cooks' Note

An alternative to fish fumet is the strained juice from mussels steamed in white wine with herbs. Or feel free to add a few mussels to the pot with your fish bones for a really rich and tasty fumet.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.