Recipe courtesy of Chef Alex Chen of Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar.
ingredients
Bouillabaisse Stock
Rouille
Bouillabaisse
directions
Cut fish and lobster bones into approximately 4cm x 4cm pieces and soak in ice water for 30 minutes. Rinse, drain and set aside.
Warm up a large pot with olive oil on medium high heat. Add lobster bones and roast for 2 minutes.
Add in onions, celery, garlic and fennel and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Deglaze with Pastis and flambé by lighting the pot on fire. Caution: always use extreme care when cooking with an open flame.
Once the fire subsides, add in remaining ingredients. Bring the broth to a boil, and then turn it down to simmer. Skim often. Simmer until bones are almost falling apart, about 45 minutes.
Strain through a chinois or fine mesh strainer to produce a smooth texture. Chill overnight in the fridge until below 40ºF.
Boil potatoes until soft, and peel off skin. Set aside.
In a food processor add potatoes, egg yolks, garlic, saffron, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Turn on and slowly emulsify with olive oil. Add water if the mixture is too thick.
Heat olive oil in a pot on medium heat. Cook the onions, leeks, fennel and garlic for 30 seconds.
Deglaze with Pastis and flambé by lighting the pot on fire. Once fire subsides, add in lobster, fish, bouillabaisse stock, orange peel, bay leaf, and thyme.
Bring to a rapid boil, and add in saffron, shrimp, olive oil, tomato, fennel fronds, fresh squeezed orange juice and parsley. The fish and lobster should be done after about 3 1/2 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper. Remove the orange peel and bay leaf.
Pile fish high in middle of bowl, and then add broth. Garnish with lobster head. Serve with rouille and Gruyère on the side. Served at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar with house-made crostini, but may be substituted store-bought crostini of your choice.