Thai-Coconut Bouillabaisse

Ingredients

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (reserve shells)
• 1 cup chopped celery, divided
• 1 cup chopped carrot, divided
• 1 cup chopped onion, divided
• 2 1/2 cups cold water
• 3 black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped tomato
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 1 teaspoon red curry paste
• 4 pieces lime rind, strips
• 1 (13 1/2 ounce) can light coconut milk
• 12 littleneck clams, scrubbed
• 12 mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (6 ounce)  skinned halibut fillets or other lean white fish fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
• lime wedge (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add shrimp shells to pan; cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

2. 2

   Add 1/2 cup celery, 1/2 cup carrot, and 1/2 cup onion to pan; cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally.

3. 3

   Stir in 2 1/2 cups water, peppercorns, and bay leaf; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. 4

   Strain mixture through a sieve over a bowl; discard solids.

5. 5

   Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add remaining 1/2 cup celery, 1/2 cup carrot, and 1/2 cup onion to pan; cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add bell pepper; cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomato, garlic, curry paste, and rind; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in broth mixture and coconut milk; bring to a boil.

6. 6

   Add clams and mussels. Cover, reduce heat, and cook 2 minutes or until clams and mussels open. Remove from heat; discard any unopened shells.

7. 7

   Stir in shrimp, basil, and remaining ingredients except lime wedges. Cover and let stand 5 minutes or until shrimp and halibut are done. Discard lime rind.

8. 8

   Place 2 clams and 2 mussels in each of 6 bowls. Divide shrimp and fish evenly among bowls. Ladle 2/3 cup broth mixture over each serving. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.