Ingredients
- 4 black peppercorns
- 2 carrots
- 2 garlic (cloves)
- 2 thyme sprigs
- 1 onion
- 1 celery stalk leaves (plus)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 sprig of fennel fronds
- 525 gr italian tomatoes (plum)
- 140 gr garlic croutons
- 120 ml bottled clam juice
- 120 ml dry wine (white)
- 70 gr fish
- 28 gr olive
- 1 slice lemon peel
If frozen, unwrap fish and allow to stand at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes, or until soft enough to cut. With a sharp knife, cut into 5 cm cubes. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large, heavy saucepan. Add prepared onions, carrots and celery and saute, stirring, 3 to 5 minutes over medium heat. Add garlic and saute another 1 or 2 minutes. Add tomatoes (and their juices), stock and wine. Tie bouquet garni spices in a cheesecloth bag and attach with string to pot handle for easy removal. Place in tomato-wine mixture and let come to a boil, uncovered. Boil 5 to 10 minutes, then reduce heat to low. Add fish cubes and cover pot. Simmer 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve on top of garlic croutons in heated bowls, garnished with chopped fennel or parsley. Yield: 4 to 5 servings. From _Nancy Enright's Canadian Herb Cookbook_ by Nancy Enright. Toronto: James Lorimer & Company, 1985. Pg. 44. ISBN 0-88862-788-2.