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1
In a large saucepan over high heat, combine olive oil, salt and pepper.
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2
Add onions, celery and fennel seeds.
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3
Saute, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until beginning to brown.
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4
Immediately add tomatoes, garlic, bay leaves, oregano and basil; cook, stirring, for 5 to 6 minutes or until sauce-like.
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5
Stir in water; bring to boil.
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6
Add parsley and fish heads.
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7
Reduce heat to medium-high and cook for 35 to 40 minutes on a steady bubbling (but not rolling) boil, stirring infrequently.
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8
Take off heat.
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9
Cover and let cool 1 to 2 hours to develop flavors.
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10
Strain, pushing down on ingredients and mashed down pulp to extract all the broth.
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11
Discard leftovers from strainer.
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12
(Recipe can be prepared to this point up to 2 days in advance; cover and refrigerate broth.)
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13
Bring the strained broth to a boil.
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14
Add potatoes, reduce heat to medium-high and cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until soft and pierceable.
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15
Add fish and shrimp (if using); reduce heat to medium and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until the fish is tender but not overcooked.
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16
Stir in lemon juice.
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17
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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18
Place a toasted slice of bread into each of 4 bowls.
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19
Top each with one-quarter of the soup, making sure that potatoes and fish are distributed evenly.
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20
Garnish generously with chopped chervil and serve immediately.