Paulette Mitchell

Makes 4 servings (6 cups)

Traditionally, fish heads are simmered in seasoned water to make fish stock, but for quick presentation, I substitute canned chicken broth. Also, to speed things up, I always have the fishmonger remove the fish skin for making this stew.

For easy entertaining, early in the day prepare the recipe up to the point of adding the fish and refrigerate. Then reheat when your guests seated are at the table. Add the fish to the simmering liquid and cook for just a few minutes before ladling out the aromatic stew. (In addition to cod and fresh scallops, to make the stew even more substantial, you can add about 4 ounces medium-sized shrimp.)

The key to the fine flavor and aroma is saffron. Be sure to use whole saffron threads. Powdered saffron loses its flavor more readily and can easily be adulterated with less expensive powders like turmeric.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed, or more to taste
• 1 tablespoon hot water
• 2 (14-ounce) cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 3 small red-skinned potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces firm white fish (such as sea bass, mackerel, or monk fish), remove and discard skin, cut flesh into 1-inch squares
• 8 ounces sea scallops
• Coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, mix the saffron with the hot water. Set aside.

Pour the chicken broth and tomatoes into the Dutch oven. When the liquid comes to a boil, stir in the potatoes, red pepper flakes, and the saffron mixture. Reduce the heat to medium; cover and cook for 3 minutes or until the potatoes are nearly tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir in the fish; cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the scallops; continue to cook for 2 more minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the seafood is thoroughly cooked. (Take care not to overcook.) Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Garnish the servings with parsley.

Recipe from The Complete 15-Minute Gourmet by Paulette Mitchell.

See December 26, 2008 post for menu idea.

Makes 4 servings

Spices have played an important role in the history of the Caribbean islands beginning with Columbus, who came looking for spices when he sailed from Spain. Allspice, also known as Jamaican pepper, comes from a berry that grows on the indigenous pimento tree. Serve this aromatic dish with basmati rice for a wholesome meal the whole family will enjoy.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
• Salt to taste
• Coarsely chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, onion, curry powder, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the onions are tender.

Stir in the remaining ingredients. Reduce the heat to low; cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until heated through.

Garnish the servings with cilantro.

Recipe from The Complete 15-Minute Gourmet by Paulette Mitchell.

Nancy Bundt Photography