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1
Rinse all the fish trimmings, put them in the stockpot, and add 6 quarts cold water.
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2
Set over medium-low flame to heat gradually.
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3
Set the onion halves, cut side down, directly on the grate of a stove burner over a medium flame for several minutes, until dark brown.
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4
(Alternatively, brown the cut sides in a dry heavy skillet.)
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5
Drop the browned onions into the stockpot along with all the other broth ingredients.
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6
Cover the pot, leaving it open a crack, and bring the water to a boil.
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7
Adjust the heat to keep it bubbling gently, and cook the broth, with the lid set ajar, for 3 hours or so, until the level of the broth has reduced by about one-quarter.
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8
If it is not reducing steadily, raise the heat and remove the cover.
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9
When the broth is full-flavored, turn off the heat.
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10
Strain the broth well through a colander and then a fine-meshed sieve.
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11
Press on the solids gently to release broth, and then discard all the fish bones and seasonings.
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12
Serve as is or with rice and fish as described on the following page.
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13
1 1/2 to 2 cups Arborio rice
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14
About 1/2 pound skinless fish fillet, cut in small pieces
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15
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
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16
Return the preceding fish broth (or as much of it as you want to serve) to the pot, and heat to a simmer.
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17
Stir in 1/2 cup of rice for every quart of broth (or more rice for denser consistency) and the pieces of fish fillet.
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18
Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the rice is cooked (but not mushy) and the fish is tender and flakes apart in the broth.
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19
Adjust the seasoning to taste, sprinkle on the chopped parsley, and serve very hot, in warm bowls.