Ep 17. The French Chef: Bouillabaise

The French Chef with Julia Child is a cooking show that originally aired in the early 1960s. In season 1 episode 17, titled "The French Chef: Bouillabaise," Julia Child demonstrates how to make the traditional French seafood stew from the port city of Marseille.

In her typical fashion, Julia begins the episode with a brief history of the dish and its origins. She explains that bouillabaisse was traditionally made by fishermen using the catch of the day that they couldn't sell in the market. They would boil the fish in a large pot with water, vegetables, and spices to create a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Julia then gets to work with the ingredients, showing the viewers how to properly clean and prepare the fish for the stew. She stresses the importance of using a variety of fish, and suggests using any combination of firm white fish, shellfish, and oily fish. She also shows how to clean and devein the shrimp, and explains why she prefers to use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for the broth.

As she cooks the stew, Julia shares a plethora of tips and techniques for making the perfect bouillabaisse. For instance, she cautions against overcooking the fish and recommends adjusting the amount of spices to taste. She also shows how to make a rouille, a traditional garlic and chili pepper mayonnaise that is used as a condiment for the stew.

Throughout the episode, Julia exudes her infectious love for French cuisine and her dedication to teaching others how to cook. She intersperses French phrases throughout her instructions, lending an air of elegance and authenticity to the experience. Her easygoing manner and signature laugh make the show a joy to watch, even for those who might be intimidated by cooking a complex dish like bouillabaisse.

In the end, Julia presents a stunning finished product, complete with an array of colorful seafood swimming in a rich broth. She urges viewers to enjoy this dish with friends and family, and to feel free to experiment with different combinations of seafood and spices.

Overall, "The French Chef: Bouillabaise" is a delightful episode that showcases Julia Child's skill as a teacher and her passion for French cooking. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in classic French cuisine or seafood dishes in particular.