Buying fish stock and sardines for a "Mediterranean Diet"

Mr. Maki and I are starting a Mediterranean-style diet, based on this book. The first two weeks are the most restrictive- no sugar, no red meat, no cheese, no butter, one slice of whole wheat bread a day, egg whites only, but all the veggies, fish/seafood and chicken you want. And plenty of olive oil.

So, I'm looking up recipes for stuff to make. One of them is a fish soup and calls for 1 3/4 cup of fresh fish stock. Since this new lifestyle change is going to require a lot more cooking from scratch, I'd like to make it easier (and less expensive) for myself where I can, and that would include buying good fish stock rather than making it.

I assume most of the canned/tetra-pak'ed fish stocks out there are crap- is there a fishmonger or some place that sells frozen, homemade fish stock?

Also, does anyone know of a local source for Matiz Gallego sardines? Or is there another brand that's as good?

Better than sardines, way better. Any good Mittel-Europa deli should have them.

And good luck with your diet!

Geo

The Real Kitchen sells beef and chicken stocks. Although they dont sell any fish stocks for now you might inquire as that might be a good option.
Also, I know you mentioned you want to save time making the stocks/fumets,but if you decide to want to do that, H-Mart is a good source for a variety of fish bones and heads.

Good luck with the mediterranean diet!!

abe_froeman wrote:One of them is a fish soup and calls for 1 3/4 cup of fresh fish stock. Since this new lifestyle change is going to require a lot more cooking from scratch, I'd like to make it easier (and less expensive) for myself where I can, and that would include buying good fish stock rather than making it.

I assume most of the canned/tetra-pak'ed fish stocks out there are crap- is there a fishmonger or some place that sells frozen, homemade fish stock?

I've seen fish stock in plastic quarts at the Fish Guy on Elston.

Ronna

I've seen frozen fish stock at Burhop's in Hinsdale, I imagine they probably have it at the Glenview location, too.

Not premade, but Fresh Farms in Niles almost always had cod and other fish heads for sale. Price has usually been about $1.99/lb. Made some very easy chowder last fall and winter. Plenty of meat on the heads. The cod makes a very good general stock while salmon makes a pretty salmon specific tasting stock.

lunanoir wrote:I've seen frozen fish stock at Burhop's in Hinsdale, I imagine they probably have it at the Glenview location, too.

Hooray- that's almost around the block from me!

Geo, thanks, but other than lox, I'm not really a fan of smoked fish....oh, the other exception being the smoked shrimp at Calumet Fisheries....dear lord, those are good.

Rick, I may at some point decide to make my own stock, but until the shock of the new diet wears off, I think I'll be buying it- thanks for the tip, though.

Thanks for the encouragement. We're both looking to lose some weight and improve our overall health. The two week weight loss period is actually supposed to go until you hit your goal weight, so it could be awhile on that.

Not trying to disregard your request for purchasable rather than makable, but I just wanted to say that I have always found that shrimp stock is tastier than fish stock and super easy. If shrimp is in your diet, save the shells one night this week. Sautee them in olive oil (since you're butter free) till pink, add some peppercorns, kosher salt, lemon, and fennel stalks, deglaze with a little white wine, then cover with water and simmer for 20 mins - fast, tasty, and doesn't require many parts. I use it for bouillabaisse, bisques, shrimp-n-grits, even chowder.

Good to know- yep, I can do shrimp!

I second annak most heartily--basically simple and foolproof, takes abt 20 mins to half an hour. Shrimp bisque, yum!

Geo

abe_froeman wrote:I assume most of the canned/tetra-pak'ed fish stocks out there are crap- is there a fishmonger or some place that sells frozen, homemade fish stock?

The Kitchen Basics line sells some decent "in-a-pinch" stocks, including fish and clam varieties. As others have noted, nearly all the fishmongers sell frozen stock.

Duh, just remembered that Better than Bouillion has several fish bases: I've used clam, lobster, and shrimp. they're all quite servicable.

http://www.soupsonline.com/m-48-better- ... TAodjR3A2A

Geo

If you are considering the shrimp stock, keep a plastic bag in the freezer and throw your shells in anytime you cook shrimp. Then some weekend those shells can go directly from the freezer to the saute to make the stock. As everyone said, pretty easy and super tasty.

abe_froeman wrote: I'd like to make it easier (and less expensive) for myself where I can

Your Profile says Prospect Heights. Find a Japanese/Korean market and buy shaved bonito flakes. Make what Japs call "dashi". It's essentially bonito flake "tea"...you boil it for a little while and voila, you have fish stock.

Mitsuwa in Arlington Heights will have it, as will Tensuke Market.

If you need to do it via amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Nishimoto-Dried-S ... B0006B4IHE

easy peasy.

kenji wrote:

abe_froeman wrote: I'd like to make it easier (and less expensive) for myself where I can

Your Profile says Prospect Heights. Find a Japanese/Korean market and buy shaved bonito flakes. Make what Japs call "dashi". It's essentially bonito flake "tea"...you boil it for a little while and voila, you have fish stock.

Mitsuwa in Arlington Heights will have it, as will Tensuke Market.

If you need to do it via amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Nishimoto-Dried-S ... B0006B4IHE

easy peasy.

Thanks! I'll probably go there to get fish, too.

If you go to either place and have time, travel there hungry. They both have restaurant service, with great food at more than an affordable price. Tensuke is small you'll see the chef and the kitchen, at Mitsuwa walk towards the back of the place cause it's kind of large.

Eat then shop.

Oh, I'm familiar with them; moreso Mitsuwa than Tensuke, though. I have a Groupon to the burger place in Mitsuwa....maybe I'll use that before the diet starts.