Court Bouillon

Wife with the Knife
Don’t let the fancy French name fool you, Court bouillon is a quick and fragrant poaching broth used to help enhance the delicate flavours of seafood and vegetables during this delicate cooking process.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Cuisine French

Ingredients
  

  • 10-12 cups water
  • 1 head of garlic halved horizontally
  • 1 cup white wine see note #1.
  • 1 whole lemon halved & squeezed
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • ½-1 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley see note #2.
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large cooking pot, bring 10-12 cups of water to a boil.
  • Once the water is boiling add the wine, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, salt, red pepper & bay leaves.
  • Reduce heat and let the court bouillon (poaching broth) simmer 15-30 min.
  • Once the Court bouillon is ready, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth and return to heat.
  • Now you can add the seafood of choice and cook according to specified time.

Notes

  • Acid Variations: You’re not limited to just wine. You can replace the wine with other acids such as vinegar or various citrus juices.
  • Herb Variations: You can also experiment with different herbs. While parsley is classic, cilantro, thyme, and dill are great alternatives to explore.
  • Vegetable Options: Court bouillon typically includes aromatics like onions, carrots, and leeks, but you can also experiment with other vegetables, such as celery or fennel, for added depth of flavor.
  • Simmering Time: Simmer the court bouillon for at least 30-40 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Longer simmering can result in a richer, more concentrated broth.
  • Straining: After cooking, be sure to strain the broth to remove any solids for a clear, smooth base.
  • Uses: Court bouillon is versatile and can be used as a poaching liquid for seafood, poultry, or vegetables. It can also be reduced into a sauce for added richness.
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Keyword Aromatic Broth, classic french recipes, Cooking liquids, Court Boullion, Culinary Techniques, herb-infused, Paoching Liquid
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