Shrimp and Cod with Tarragon Broth and Croutons

Contributed by Quick From Scratch Soups & Salads

ACTIVE:
TOTAL TIME:
SERVINGS: 4

FAST

We think the combination of shrimp and cod keeps thing interesting, but you could easily make this soup with just one or the other; simply double the quantity of whichever you choose. Sautéing the croutons in oil keeps them from getting soggy in the...

2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/4 teaspoons dried tarragon
1 cup bottled clam juice
1 2/3 cups canned diced tomatoes with their juice (one 15-ounce can)
3 cups water
2 cups 1/2-inch bread cubes cut from good-quality white bread
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh-ground black pepper
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
3/4 pound boneless, skinless cod fillet, cut into approximately 1-by-1/2-inch strips
3/4 pound medium shrimp, shelled and halved lengthwise

In a large pot, melt the butter over moderately low heat. Add the onion, celery, garlic, and 3/4 teaspoon of the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 10 minutes. Add the wine, tarragon, clam juice, tomatoes, and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, put a medium frying pan over moderately low heat. Toss the bread cubes with the oil and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; add them to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until crisp and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and toss the croutons with 1/8 teaspoon pepper and 2 tablespoons of the parsley.
Stir the cod and shrimp into the soup. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the seafood is just done, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon pepper and the remaining parsley and serve the soup topped with the croutons.

Suggested Pairing

Fish soup with an herb-infused broth makes us think of sunlit patios overlooking a shimmering Mediterranean. If you were in Nice, you'd be drinking a Provençal rosé. Why not here?