Fish Stew with Grilled Bread & Smoky Red Pepper Aioli

1. Begin the Stew

Begin by heating 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced jalapeño chile and cook for about a minute, allowing its aroma and mild heat to infuse the oil. Then, add the chopped garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until it turns fragrant.

2. Create the Tomato Base

To create the base of your stew, add the coarsely chopped tomatoes along with their juices and pour in the dry white wine. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 15 minutes, during which the tomatoes will break down, creating a slightly soupy base. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the stew's rich and hearty flavor.

3. Grill the Bread

While the tomato and wine mixture simmers, prepare your grill or broiler for the bread. Brush the slices of artisanal white bread with the remaining 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Grill or broil the bread until it is nicely toasted, turning once to ensure even toasting.

4. Add Fish Stock and Saffron

Returning to your pot, pour in the fish stock and crumble the saffron threads into the mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, which will help to reduce the liquid slightly and concentrate the flavors.

5. Add Fish and Season

Gently stir in the chunks of fish and allow them to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, until the fish is opaque and cooked through. It's important not to overcook the fish to maintain its tender texture. Season the stew with kosher salt and a few dashes of hot-pepper sauce to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.

6. Serve the Stew

To serve, place a slice of the grilled bread in each wide soup bowl. Ladle the fish stew over the bread, ensuring each bowl gets a generous portion of the flavorful broth and tender fish chunks. Top each bowl with a dollop of Smoky Red Pepper Mayonnaise and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. This final touch adds a delightful creaminess and vibrant color to your dish.