Tomato, Fennel, and Seafood Soup

by Janet
(WA)

The fennel gives this a delightfully different taste. It is really good. You can substitute talipia, cod, or some other white fish for the halibut, or even salmon.

Ingredients

* 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 5 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 cup chopped fennel bulb
* 1 cup thinly sliced carrot
* 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
* 1 cup dry white wine
* 2 (8-ounce) bottles clam juice
* 1/2 pound peeled and deveined small shrimp,
* 1/2 pound sea scallops
* 1/2 pound skinless halibut fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
* 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* Thyme sprigs (optional)

Preparation

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add tomato paste to pan and cook 7 minutes or until paste begins to brown, stirring occasionally.

Add fennel and next 4 ingredients (through clam juice) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until vegetables are just tender.

Stir in shrimp, scallops, and fish. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until fish is done.

Gently stir in tarragon, chopped thyme, and pepper. Garnish with thyme sprigs, if desired.