Description
Bouillabaisse with Mussels and Shrimp is an authentic French seafood stew from Provence, combining fresh shellfish, aromatic herbs, and a delicately balanced saffron-infused broth. This hearty, flavorful dish offers a comforting taste of the Marseille coast, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with its rich yet simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 2 lbs fresh mussels, scrubbed and beards removed
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 fennel bulb, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
Broth & Seasoning
- 4 cups fish stock
- A pinch of saffron threads
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Garnishes & Serving
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crusty bread (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: Heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onions, garlic, and fennel until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, saffron threads, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour in the fish stock and simmer gently to develop rich, layered flavors.
- Cook the Seafood: Add the cleaned mussels to the simmering broth and cover the pot, allowing them to open for 5 to 7 minutes. Then stir in the shrimp and cook just until they turn opaque and tender, taking care not to overcook.
- Season and Adjust: Taste the broth and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance brightness and balance the rich flavors.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the stew to warmed bowls, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy.
Notes
- Choose fresh, live mussels and wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip saffron; it’s essential for authentic aroma and color.
- Clean mussels thoroughly by scrubbing shells and removing beards to avoid grit.
- Simmer the broth gently without boiling to keep flavors delicate.
- Add shrimp last to ensure tender texture.
- Serve with aioli, a Provençal garlic mayonnaise, for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg