Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a wide pot and soften onion and fennel for 6–8 minutes. Add garlic, thyme and saffron and stir briefly.
- Add tomatoes, fish stock, orange zest, bay leaf and sliced potato. Simmer for 15 minutes, until the potato is tender and the broth smells fragrant.
- Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf and orange zest if you prefer a cleaner finish.
- Add salmon chunks and simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, just until cooked through. Do not boil hard once the fish is in the pot.
- Scatter with parsley and serve with toasted baguette and rouille so guests can spoon the garlicky sauce into the broth.
Kitchen note: Add the salmon near the end and keep the broth at a gentle simmer so the pieces stay intact.
Why you'll like this recipe
- Saffron, fennel, tomato and orange zest gives the salmon a clear, balanced flavour without hiding the fish.
- The sides add contrast in texture and freshness: rustic bread and parsley rouille.
- You can prepare the vegetables and sauce before cooking the salmon, which keeps the final steps simple.
Tips for better results
- Reserve pasta water before draining; its starch helps the sauce cling.
- Add smoked or cured salmon at the end so it warms without becoming tough.
- Keep cream sauces at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil.
What to serve with it
Serve with toasted baguette and rouille. Orange zest, fennel and garlic make this a Provençal-style broth rather than a creamy Scandinavian fish soup.
Storage
Refrigerate cooked leftovers promptly in a covered container and use within 2 days. Reheat gently; the salmon can become dry if overheated.
Common questions
How do I keep salmon from drying out?
Use similarly sized portions, check the thickest piece early and remove the fish as soon as it is just cooked. Resting briefly helps the juices settle.
Can I prepare parts ahead?
Yes. Wash and cut the vegetables and mix the sauce or dressing in advance. For the best texture, cook the salmon close to serving time.

