Seafood Stew with Fennel and Thyme

Ingredients for Seafood Stew with Fennel and Thyme

• 675g mussels, scrubbed, debearded

• 2 1/2 cups chopped onions

• 1 cup dry white wine

• 12 parsley sprigs plus 1/2 cup chopped parsley

• 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

• 450g finely chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only)

• 475ml diced trimmed fennel bulb

• 4 230g bottles clam juice

• 4 large fresh thyme sprigs

• 2 bay leaves

• 800g thick halibut fillets, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

• 275g sea scallops

• 240ml crème fraîche*

• 2 large egg yolks

How to make Seafood Stew with Fennel and Thyme

Combine mussels, 1 1/4 cups onions, wine, and 8 parsley sprigs in large pot; bring to boil. Cover and cook until mussels open, shaking pot often, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer mussels to large bowl to cool (discard any mussels that do not open). Strain cooking liquid into large measuring cup; discard vegetables in strainer. Add enough water to cooking liquid to measure 475ml total. Remove mussels from shells if desired.

Melt butter in same large pot over medium heat. Add remaining 200g onions, leeks, and fennel and sauté until leeks are soft, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Add reserved mussel cooking liquid, 4 parsley sprigs, clam juice, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Simmer uncovered until vegetables are tender and liquid has reduced by 1/3, about 25 minutes. Add halibut and scallops to broth and simmer until just opaque in centre, about 4 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer halibut and scallops to bowl. Discard parsley sprigs, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves.

Whisk crème fraîche and egg yolks in medium bowl to blend. Whisk in 120ml hot cooking liquid from pot. Gradually stir yolk mixture into stew. Cook over medium heat until liquid thickens slightly, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes (do not allow mixture to boil). Return halibut, scallops, and mussels to pan. Cook until halibut is heated through, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Serve in warmed shallow bowls.

*Crème fraîche is sold at some supermarkets. If unavailable, heat 240ml whipping cream to lukewarm (29°C). Remove from heat and mix in 2 tablespoons buttermilk. Cover and let stand in warm, draft-free area until slightly thickened, 24 to 48 hours, depending on temperature of room. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.