Summer Tomato Bouillabaisse with Basil Rouille

A vibrant Mediterranean seafood stew featuring fresh shellfish in a tomato-fennel broth, served with a flavorful basil and garlic rouille spread on crusty bread. This summer version of the classic French bouillabaisse celebrates the season's sweet tomatoes.

6 servings
35 min

Ingredients

  • 4 cloves garlic cloves
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 fillets anchovy fillets
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1 bulb fennel bulb
  • to taste kosher salt and black pepper
  • ¼ cup dry white wine
  • 1 bottle clam juice
  • 3 pounds mixed shellfish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 loaf crusty bread
  • sliced bread

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Mince or finely grate 2 garlic cloves and transfer to a blender. Add basil, mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons oil, anchovies, and lemon juice. Purée until smooth. Transfer basil rouille to a small bowl, cover, and chill.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes and fennel; season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst, about 10 minutes.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Slice remaining 2 garlic cloves and add to pot. Cook, stirring often, until garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in wine and cook, stirring often, until almost absorbed, about 1 minute. Add clam juice and 4 cups water and bring to a boil. Add shellfish and cook, covered, until opened (discard any that do not open), about 3 minutes. Stir in parsley. Spread basil rouille on bread and serve alongside.

    15 min

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