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1
In a mini food processor, sprinkle the diced bread with the water and let stand until the water is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
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2
Add the garlic, cayenne and salt and process until the bread and garlic are coarsely chopped.
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3
With the machine on, drizzle in the olive oil and process until the rouille is smooth.
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4
Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate.
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5
In a very large, deep skillet, heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
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6
Add the leeks, onion, fennel and chopped garlic and cook over moderate heat until translucent, about 5 minutes.
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7
Add the tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down, about 5 minutes.
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8
Add the bay leaves, saffron and pastis and bring to a boil.
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9
Add the fish stock and bring to a simmer.
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10
Cook over low heat until the vegetables are very tender, about 20 minutes.
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11
Discard the bay leaves.
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12
In a food processor, pulse the vegetables and broth to a coarse puree.
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13
Strain through a fine sieve set over the skillet.
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14
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
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15
Add the lobster and cook until it turns bright red, about 4 minutes.
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16
Drain and rinse the lobster under cold water until cool enough to handle.
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17
Remove the tail, claw and knuckle meat and cut into 1-inch pieces.
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18
Preheat the broiler.
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19
Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and broil them 6 inches from the heat for about 1 minute per side, until the slices are golden brown around the edges.
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20
Rub each slice with the remaining whole garlic clove and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
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21
Add the potatoes and cayenne pepper to the broth and bring to a simmer.
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22
Cook over moderately high heat until the potatoes are just tender, about 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
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23
Add the clams, cover and cook over moderate heat until they just begin to open, about 3 minutes.
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24
Add the monkfish, cover and simmer for 2 minutes.
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25
Add the lobster, snapper and halibut, cover and simmer until the clams are open and all the fish is cooked through, about 4 minutes.
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26
Set a baguette toast in each of 8 shallow bowls.
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27
Ladle the fish and broth over the toasts and top each serving with 1 tablespoon of the rouille.
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28
Sprinkle with fennel fronds and serve immediately.