Master recipe for fish stock

2 1/2 quarts

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
3poundsFish trimmings; rinsed cut in 3\" pieces
1mediumOnion; diced small
2mediumsCarrots; diced small
1largeCelery stalk; diced small
8Parsley stems; chopped
1cupDry white wine
¼Lemon
10Black peppercorns
2Bay leaves
1Dried chili pepper

Directions

Note: Fish heads, tails, and bones are all possibilities for trimming and can be used for the stock. An equal amount of shrimp and lobster or crab carcasses can be substituted for the fish bones.

1. Put all ingredients in a 6-to-8-quart pot. Cover with 2¾ quarts cold water. Bring to a boil over medium heat; simmer slowly for about 1 hour, periodically skimming away scum that rises to the surface.

2. Strain stock through double thickness of cheesecloth, pressing out as much liquid as possible with the back of a spoon. Use to make fish soups, stews, etc. The stock can be cooled and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Cook's Illustrated Nov/Dec 94

Submitted By DIANE LAZARUS On 12-20-94