Basque Style Fishermans Stew Recipes

BACALAO A LA VIZCAINA (BASQUE STYLE CODFISH STEW)

Steps:

• Soak the salted cod in about 2 quarts of water, changing the water 3 times over the course of 8 hours. Drain and cut the fish into bite-size pieces.
• Layer the half of each ingredient in the following order: potatoes, cod fish, onions, hard-boiled eggs, capers, garlic, olives, roasted red peppers, and raisins. Place the bay leaf on top, then pour half the tomato sauce and half the olive oil. Repeat with the remaining ingredients in the same order. Pour the water and white wine on top. Do not stir.
• Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes.

MARMITAKO - BASQUE TUNA STEW RECIPE

Steps:

• Begin by cutting all the vegetables first, finely mince 2 cloves of garlic, finely dice 1/2 of an onion, finely dice 1/2 of a red bell pepper, finely dice 1/2 of a green bell pepper and cut 1 large yukon gold potato into small cubes
• Heat a large stock pot with a medium heat and add a 1/4 cup of extra virgin Spanish olive oil, once the oil get´s hot add the diced onions and minced garlic, mix with the oil and cook for about 4 minutes, then add the diced bell peppers, mix and cook for another 5 minutes, then add the cubed potatoes, mix and cook for another 2 minutes, then add 1 cup of diced tomatoes, season everything with a generous pinch of sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, mix everything together and cook for 2 minutes
• Turn the fire up to a HIGH heat and add 1/2 cup of white wine, about 4 minutes after adding the white wine add 2 1/2 cups of fish broth, once it comes to a boil, place a lid on top and lower the fire to a LOW heat
• While the stew is simmering, season 2 fresh tuna fillets with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides, then cut each one into 1/2 inch cubes
• After leaving the stew to simmer for 20-25 minutes, add the cubed tuna to the stock pot, mix it with the rest of the ingredients, place the lid back on top and cook for another 10 minutes
• Transfer the tuna stew into 2 shallow bowls and garnish each one with fresh parsley
• Enjoy!

MARMITAKO (BASQUE FISH STEW)

Steps:

• For the fish stock, clean the gills of the fish, ensure that there is no blood whatsoever. Heat the olive oil in a large pan. Gently cook the vegetables, add the fish head and bones, 3 litres/5¼ pints of water and a bay leaf. Heat the stock so it is steaming, but do not boil, for 20 minutes. Pass through a sieve and set aside.
• For the marmitako, in a large saucepan heat the olive oil. Gently fry the onion and garlic. When half softened, add the red pepper and cook for 2 minutes, then add the padron pepper. When everything is soft add the chilli and tomato sauce.
• Cook out the acidity and water of the tomato so that it is almost like a paste. Add the choriceros paste and the wine. Cook off the alcohol for a few seconds and then add the potato chunks and season with salt and pepper. Pour in 200ml/7fl oz of the fish stock and add a bay leaf. It should take around 20 minutes for the potatoes to cook.
• Meanwhile in a separate pan, heat until very hot, add 75ml/2½fl oz of olive oil and quickly flash fry the bonito (or tuna) to caramelise it on the outside but keep it raw in the middle.
• Once the potatoes are cooked, add the fish to the stew, gently mix it in and take the pan off the heat. Put the lid on and leave it to stand for 10 minutes. After ten minutes give it a gentle shake. Mix the chopped parsley into the stew, drizzle with olive oil and serve.
• For the baby gem salad, in a small bowl, mix the olive oil and vinegar until they emulsify, add the shallot and chives and season. Add the piquillo peppers and mix gently so that they don't break up.
• To serve, place a few leaves on a plate and drizzle with the dressing. Place some more leaves on top and drizzle again and so on, so that the leaves remain crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve the marmitako in bowls with the salad alongside.

BASQUE FISH SOUP

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute onions, celery and garlic in butter until tender, about 7 minutes.
• Stir in tomatoes, wine, parsley, salt, pepper and thyme. Cover and simmer 30 minutes.
• After the 30 minute simmer you can refrigerate or freeze the tomato mixture, if desired and continue as directed below**.
• Add the fish and simmer 7-10 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
• **reheat tomato mixture by covering and simmering for about 10 minutes or until hot. Continue as directed in step #4.