The Fish Stock

 

Fish stock is a flavourful liquid made by simmering fish bones, heads, and sometimes aromatic vegetables and herbs in water. It serves as a base for seafood soups, stews, sauces, and risottos. Here's a general procedure for making fish stock:

 

1. Gather your ingredients: You'll need fish bones and heads, which can be obtained from a fishmonger or saved from whole fish you've cooked. Avoid using oily fish like mackerel or salmon, as they can make the stock too strong-tasting. You can also add aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, along with herbs like parsley, thyme, and bay leaves.

 

2. Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the fish bones and heads under cold water to remove any impurities or blood. If desired, you can roast the fish bones in the oven for around 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to enhance their flavour.

 

3. Sauté the vegetables (optional): In a large pot, you can sauté the chopped vegetables in a bit of oil or butter for a few minutes until they start to soften. This step is optional but can add depth to the flavour of the stock.

 

4. Add water and simmer: Place the fish bones and heads (and sautéed vegetables, if using) in a large pot and cover them with water. The general ratio is around 1 pound (450g) of fish bones for every 1 quart (1 liter) of water. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, but not a rolling boil, as it can make the stock cloudy.

 

5. Skim off impurities: As the stock simmers, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface with a slotted spoon. This helps ensure a clearer stock.

 

6. Simmer and extract flavours: Let the stock simmer uncovered for about 30-45 minutes to allow the flavours to develop. Avoid simmering for too long, as it can make the stock overly fishy.

 

7. Strain the stock: After simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the stock, separating the liquid from the solids. Gently press down on the solids with a spoon to extract any remaining liquid.

 

8. Cool and store: Let the fish stock cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. Refrigerate the stock for up to 4-5 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

 

That's the basic procedure for making fish stock. Remember to adjust the ingredients and proportions based on your preferences and the amount of stock you want to make. Enjoy using your homemade fish stock in various seafood dishes!