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1
Make the garlicky rouille In a medium saucepan, combine the potato, saffron, a pinch of salt and 2 cups of water.
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2
Bring to a boil and cook until the saffron water is reduced by half and the potato is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
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3
Cool completely, then transfer the potato and saffron water to a blender.
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4
Add all of the remaining ingredients except the oil and pulse to combine.
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5
With the machine on, slowly drizzle in the oil until well blended.
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6
Season with salt.
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7
Transfer to a serving bowl; refrigerate.
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8
Make the herb-and-spice sachet Assemble all of the ingredients on a piece of cheesecloth, wrap into a bundle and tie with kitchen string.
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9
Make the bouillabaisse Rinse all of the fish heads and bones until the water runs clear.
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10
Cut the fillets into 2-inch pieces and transfer them to a bowl; cover and refrigerate.
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11
In a large enameled cast-iron casserole or pot, heat the olive oil.
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12
Add the onions, celery, fennel, leek, saffron and cayenne and cook over moderate heat until the vegetables soften, 8 minutes.
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13
Add the pastis and cook until evaporated.
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14
Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until beginning to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
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15
Add the fish heads and bones, shrimp shells, herb-and-spice sachet and enough water to just cover, about 16 cups.
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16
Bring to a simmer and cook over moderately low heat for 20 minutes, skimming off the foam that rises to the surface.
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17
Stir in the tomatoes and cook gently for 30 minutes.
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18
Meanwhile, cook the potatoes in a large saucepan of salted boiling water until tender, about 15 minutes.
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19
Drain well.
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20
Pick out and discard the herb-and-spice sachet and any large fish bones.
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21
Working in batches, transfer the contents of the casserole to a blender and puree until smooth.
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22
Strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, pressing on the solids.
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23
Finish the bouillabaisse Bring the soup to a simmer.
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24
Add the potatoes.
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25
Season the fish with salt and pepper and add to the soup.
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26
Cook over low heat for 3 minutes.
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27
Add the shrimp and mussels, cover and cook until the mussels open and the fish and shrimp are cooked through, 2 minutes longer.
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28
Season with salt, pepper and cayenne.
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29
Stir 2 tablespoons of the hot soup into the rouille.
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30
Ladle the bouillabaisse into shallow bowls.
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31
Serve with the rouille and crusty bread.