Love and Spices:
Fish soup with rouille

This comforting soup is a meal on its own

Recipe by Monique Singer

Previously published in WestmountMag.ca

Love and Spices, a beautifully illustrated cookbook by Monique Singer, offers unique recipes for cooking with spices, ranging from appetizers to desserts. It’s a true sensory journey through the world’s flavours, a celebration of the richness and diversity of spices.

Monique Singer possesses a rare talent for elevating spices. From a very young age, it was alongside her grandmother and sisters that she developed this culinary art, creating delicious and original dishes infused with all her love. Her mastery of spices allows her to combine them harmoniously, bringing out their unique aromas and thus creating symphonies of flavours in each recipe.

From the family table to prestigious receptions she has organized in various countries around the world, Monique’s cuisine has charmed the most discerning palates. Her talent for enhancing flavours and her unique approach to gastronomy have transcended borders, making her cuisine a universally appreciated experience.

Enjoy!

Fish soup with rouille

No need for fish stock: Water, herbs and spices are all you need.
Use anchovies even if you don’t like them, as they add great depth of flavour. The soup will not taste like anchovies.

Preparation time: 35 min | Cooking time: 1 hr 35 min | Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C | Yields: 8 servings

SOUP

• 3 lbs / 1.5 kg of a mix of red snapper and cod filets, cut into extra-large cubes
• 6 tomatoes, peeled and seeded
• 8 small potatoes, peeled
• 2 leeks
• 2 small carrots
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 4 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp thyme, chopped
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp clove, ground
• 1/4 tsp saffron
• 3 large orange strips
• 5 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup white dry wine
• 6 cups water
• 2 tbsp arak
• 5 anchovy fillets, cut into small pieces
• Fennel fronds for garnish

In a food processor, coarsely grind leeks, celery, carrots and garlic.
Heat the oil in a large heavy pot.
Sauté the ground mixture until all the liquid has evaporated.
Stir in tomato paste, and mix well.
Add the tomatoes and the chopped anchovies and mash with a fork, until well combined. Add the potatoes, all herbs, spices and orange strips.
Pour wine, arak and water, bring to a boil while stirring.
Lower heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 45 minutes.
Add the fish, salt and pepper and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the fish is fully cooked, adjust seasonings to taste.
Garnish with fresh fennel fronds if desired.
Serve with the rouille and crostini.

ROUILLE

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 red chilli pepper, seeded
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 5 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)

Remove the seeds from the red bell pepper and roast for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool.
Or use red peppers from a jar, well rinsed.
In a food processor, combine the garlic, peppers, lemon juice and paprika.
Pulse until smooth, then slowly drizzle in the oil, and blend continuously.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the breadcrumbs and blend until the mixture thickens.
Pour into a serving dish.
Refrigerate until ready to use.

CROSTINI

• 1 loaf ciabatta bread

Preheat the oven to broil.
Cut the bread into long slices, 1 1/2 inch /4 cm wide.
Arrange on a baking sheet.
Broil for about 5 minutes, turning once.
Remove from oven and let cool.

If the soup is too liquid, reduce it.
Adjust the seasoning and water before adding the fish, as it cooks rather quickly.

Images: Anne Fillion

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Monique Singer is a cultural creator now based in Montreal, usually found travelling the world, experiencing other cultures and sharing what she finds most interesting. At the top of her food passion is her attraction for spices, their benefits and the distinctive flavour they bring to all dishes. LinkedIn