3poundsfish bonesfish heads or some combination of the two from non-oily, white fleshed fish like flounder, halibut, snapper, sea bass.
2tablespoonsolive oil
1largeyellow onionpeeled and sliced thin
2carrotsthinly sliced
1leekcleaned and sliced thin
3stalkscelerysliced thin
2clovesgarliccrushed
½cupdry white wine
7cupscold water
2tablespoonsblack peppercorns
2sprigsfresh thymeleaves and stems - roughly chopped
2sprigsfresh parsleyleaves and stems - roughly chopped
2bay leavesdried
salt & pepperto taste
Instructions
Clean the fish bones
In a large bowl, place the bones (fish heads) and cover with cold water. Add a couple tablespoons of salt and stir to dissolve. Soak the bones for 30 minutes, drain and rinse under cold water to remove all signs of blood.
Heat a large stock pot over medium heat, add oil and when the oil gets hot, add the onion, carrots, leek, celery and garlic. Saute until the vegetables soften, about 3 minutes.
Add the white wine to deglaze the pan and let the wine cook down for a couple of minutes.
Add the washed fish bones (fish heads) and enough water to cover the bones and heads. This should be somewhere between 7 cups of water.
Add the black peppercorns, thyme, parsley and bay leaves and bring to a boil. As the water is coming to a boil, a white foam will appear at the top of the liquid. Use a large spoon or spatula to remove the foam and as soon as the liquid comes to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer.
Simmer the stock for 20 to 30 minutes. When done, remove from heat and let the stock cool down for 10 minutes.
Carefully strain the stock through a fine mesh strainer into another pot or large bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
If you are not using immediately, let it cool down for another 10 or 15 minutes, transfer to storage containers, cover and chill in the refrigerator.
Notes
You can store the stock in the refrigerator for 4 days or store in a freezer for up to 3 months.