Slow-Cooked Eel Stew with Anchovy-Dill

Slow-Cooked Eel Stew with Anchovy-Dill

Classic DishPaling in 't groen

Prep: 20 min • Cook: 90 min. An enriched version of the Flemish classic, slow-cooked for deeper flavour. The green herb sauce is enhanced with the umami of anchovy and the fresh aroma of dill, creating a complex and comforting stew.

Preparation time
20 min
Cooking time
1 hr 30 min
Total time
1 hr 50 min
Servings
4

Instructions

Stew Preparation

  1. 1Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped leeks and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. 2Sprinkle the flour over the leeks and stir well to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
  3. 3Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to thicken.
  4. 4Add the chopped anchovy fillets, if using, to the simmering sauce and stir until they dissolve. This adds a deep umami flavor.
  5. 5Gently place the eel pieces into the simmering sauce. Ensure they are mostly submerged. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low.
  6. 6Simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until the eel is tender and cooked through. Avoid stirring too vigorously, as this can break up the eel.
  7. 7In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped parsley, dill, and heavy cream. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
  8. 8Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories
650 kcal
Protein
35 g
Fat
45 g
Carbs
25 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories650 kcal
Protein35 g
Fat45 g
Carbs25 g

Tips

  • Ensure your eel is thoroughly cleaned and scaled before cutting into pieces for cooking.
  • Simmer the stew gently to keep the eel pieces intact and tender. Avoid vigorous boiling after adding the eel.
  • Serve hot with boiled potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious green herb sauce.

By Chef Michael Ilin