Saint-Tropez Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse à la Tropézienne over Wood Fire, Inspired by the Fishermen of Saint-Tropez from the 19th Century

In the cobblestone streets of Saint-Tropez, in the heart of the 19th century, the songs of fishermen echoed in search of a life under the gentle Mediterranean sun. Inspired by the riches of the surrounding waters, these men and women of the sea created a delightful gustatory symphony known as "Bouillabaisse." This iconic recipe of the Côte d'Azur is the authentic reflection of the union between Provençal terroir and the treasures of the Mediterranean Sea.

Ingredients:

For the base elixir:

• 1.5 kg of assorted marine creatures (scorpion fish, weever fish, sea robin, John Dory, cuttlefish, etc.), cleaned and rid of their adornments, scales, and sea attire
• 1 noble onion, petals peeled and sliced into four parts
• 2 cloves of garlic, souls crushed
• 2 tomatoes, sliced into majestic cubes
• 1 branch of fennel, offered in choice pieces
• 1 bay leaf, crown of fragrance
• 1 sprig of thyme, essence of the hills
• 1 pinch of saffron, golden gleam of the sun
• Salt and pepper, for harmony
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil, liquid gold
• 1.5 liters of spring water, liquid crystal

For the marine symphony:

• 500 g of assorted creatures (scorpion fish, monkfish, sea robin, John Dory, cuttlefish, etc.), in selected pieces
• 250 g of assorted marine pearls (mussels, clams, shrimp, crabs)
• 1 branch of fennel, sea's tenderness
• 1 onion, finely chopped in confidences
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced in secrets
• 2 tomatoes, peeled, embraced, and cut into passionate cubes
• 1/2 red chili pepper (optional), spicy shiver
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil, gentle caress
• Salt and pepper, to embrace the flavors

For the accompaniment:

• Slices of rustic bread, toasts of the soul
• 1 clove of garlic, essence offered in two parts
• Extra virgin olive oil, golden light

For the enrobed melody:

• 2 cloves of garlic, the symphony of fragrances
• 1 slice of stale bread (about 50 g), the harmonic base
• 1/2 teaspoon of saffron powder, the chant of gold
• 1 pinch of salt, the subtle balance
• 1/2 red chili pepper (optional), the passionate note
• 1 egg yolk, the creamy touch
• 1 teaspoon of mustard, the liveliness
• 250 ml of olive oil, the gentle melody

Preparation Chapters:

Preparing the fire's abode:

In the outer haven, forge a wood fire, from which ardently glowing embers shall emerge, covered in ashes like a protective cape.

Preparing the base elixir:

Place a large cast iron pot or a pot resistant to the ardors of fire on the glowing embers.

In this cast iron altar, let the 3 tablespoons of olive oil crackle, allowing the onion, garlic, and fennel to dance until they adorn themselves with gold and celestial scents.

Add the tomato petals, the bay leaf, the sprig of thyme, the saffron, and the seasoning. Let the ensemble marry its aromas in a gentle sway for 5 minutes of magic.

Invite the assorted creatures, heads and bones, to join this feast. Sprinkle with spring water and let this ritual simmer between the flames, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove any impure veil from the surface, ensuring its purity.

When the elixir is ready, strain it like a rare fabric to collect the crystalline nectar. The base elixir is born.

Preparing the marine symphony:

In another chalice of cast iron, create the symphony. The branch of fennel dances there with the onion and garlic, forming a harmonious trinity.

Follow the harmony of the marine symphony's preparation, adapting the notes to the wood fire. The secrets of the stars will guide your composition.

Preparing the enrobed melody:

For the melody, in a sanctuary of mortar and pestle, invoke the souls of garlic, the golden note of saffron, and the melody of stale bread. Let emotions vibrate under your gestures, in harmony with the chili pepper, egg yolk, and mustard.

Let olive oil flow like a tranquil stream, blending voices to create the enrobed melody. When the melody is enchanting and smooth, it is ready.

Enchanted Finale:

In individual containers, offer the marine symphony, accompanied by soulful toasts, fragrant with garlic and caressed by olive oil.

Present the enrobed melody in a humble chalice, so that each guest can add melodic notes to their marine symphony, according to their desires.

The Bouillabaisse à la Tropézienne over Wood Fire, adorned with assorted marine creatures, enigmatic cuttlefish, and passionate crabs, sings an enchanting melody of Mediterranean flavors. A culinary tale under the stars, where each bite...

By reviving this bouillabaisse recipe, inspired by the fishermen of the 19th century Saint-Tropez, we celebrate a culinary tradition passed down from generation to generation. The marine symphony, enriched with the splendor of cuttlefish and passionate crabs, embodies the soul of that era and the symbiosis between sea flavors and the sweetness of Provençal terroir. Each spoonful transports us to ancient times when the sea, men, and cuisine merged to create a timeless gustatory experience.

Where to savor wood-fired bouillabaisse?
Restaurant Chez Camille in Ramatuelle, Bonne Terrasse Quarter.