Snapper

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

We recommend using a sturdy food mill (available at cookware stores) to help produce a thick stew base from simmered vegetables and fish. Alternatively, you can use a large heavy-duty mesh sieve to strain the seafood broth. Then push through enough fish and vegetables to make 13 cups of stew base. Serve cioppino with sourdough toasts.

A 1980 charter signed by 11 restaurants (7 in Marseille) dictates what kinds of fish form the basis of an authentic local bouillabaisse. These are generally unavailable here, so we suggest using the freshest nonoily fish you can get, preferably three to five different kinds. As long as we were taking liberties, we also added lobster and used fennel fronds in place of pastis. And though the broth and croutons are usually served separately from the fish itself in Marseille, we enjoyed everything together. Active time: 1 1/4 hr Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Green chilies and cilantro add some zip to this main course.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. The coconut milk can be found in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets.

The fresh flavors of fennel and orange make this simple fish dish shine. You can serve it alone or with a helping of rice.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Do not attempt this dish unless the fish is very fresh. Steaming is used only for fresh, delicately flavored fish.

Complement this thick soup with plenty of crusty French bread.

With steamed asparagus and some rice or mashed potatoes, this easy dish is elegant enough for company.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Thai cooking frequently makes use of the roots of cilantro; their flavor is more pronounced than that of the leaves.

If one large fish is difficult to find, two smaller ones can be substituted.