Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 red pepper, roasted and finely chopped
  • 8 shallots chopped and lightly Sauteed
  • 1 bunch parsley, stems removed, finely chopped
  • 1/2 bunch basil, stems removed, finely chopped
  • 1 bunch dill, stems removed, finely chopped
  • 1 bunch chives, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cups fresh bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 large (10 pound) striped bass, head removed, thoroughly cleaned, boned, and scaled
  • 3 cups fish fumet, recipe follows
  • 4 onions, roughly chopped
  • 6 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 3 shallots, roughly chopped
  • 1 bunch parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dry thyme
  • 3 to 4 bay leaves
  • 1 bottle (750 cc) white wine
  • 5 cups water
  • 5 pounds white-fleshed fish heads and bones
  • Salt and pepper

Method

  • Combine all stuffing ingredients and correct seasoning.
  • The stuffing must taste delicious by itself.
  • This stuffing should be made at time of final preparation or the bread stuffing will have a heavier consistency than desired.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Keep fumet hot in a pot on the stove.
  • Check the entire fish for scales or bones.
  • This is done by running your fingers over all surfaces of the fish.
  • Remove any bones with a pair of needle-nosed pliers.
  • Place fish on a lightly oiled sheet of aluminum foil in large pan.
  • Salt with kosher salt inside and out.
  • Since there are crevices within the fish, use your hands to place the salt throughout.
  • Pepper the inside and outside of the fish.
  • Lightly place a coat of olive oil on outside of fish.
  • Stuff fish with bread mixture.
  • If the mixture does not adequately remain in the fish cavity, gently tie the fish around with butchers twine every few inches.
  • Place fish in oven and pour 3 cups of the hot fumet over fish.
  • Cover and cook for about 80 to 90 minutes, basting with hot fumet every 15 minutes.
  • To check for doneness use a fork in the thickest part of the flesh and determine that the meat is opaque, signifying doneness.
  • The fish will have an internal temperature of 130 degrees when it is done.
  • Remove fish from the pan with foil.
  • Gently peel back foil and place fish on a platter.
  • Slice and serve.
  • Simmer first 9 ingredients for 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Add fish parts.
  • Simmer for 1 hour, covered.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Strain through chinois.
  • Strain again, using cheesecloth.
  • Place liquid in tightly covered container and refrigerate until needed.