Fish Soup and Rouille

Living in New England gives us such a great opportunity to get delicious fresh seafood. I have been watching old TV cooking shows with Jacques Pepin and Julia Child. When they made this fish soup I knew I had to try it...ohh la la...so good.

I went to our local fish shop "Gardner's Wharf" in Wickford right on the water. No better place than here to buy fish. Pete is the owner and a very knowledgeable fish monger. I learn a lot from him in regards to types of fish, cuts and how to prepare. There is a wide variety of fish, shellfish, and prepared foods. The lobster and crab tanks are always full and fresh.

The ice packed shellfish area where you can pick out your own items is super. Don a plastic glove and go for it. The bins are always brimming with local little necks, cherry stone clams, quahogs, mussels, steamers and oysters. One variety of oyster is their own...Rome Point oysters that they farm themselves.

So I picked up little necks, mussels, scallops, salmon and swordfish...nice variety and oh so fresh.

Went home and immediately made the soup using scallions, onions, garlic (still have my own from last year), tomatoes (Maine greenhouse), saffron. thyme, fish stock, and a little salt and pepper...let that simmer for a while then added the fish and topped with tarragon...

Also toasted some french baguette slices and topped these croutons with a rouille (garlic, red pepper, bread to bind, s&p, olive oil) all made in the food processor...and VOILA!!!!! A most delicious and satisfying dinner...all we needed was a spoon and bowl...

A big bowl of goodness...

Elizabeth