Seafood Stock

Photo: flickr user jytyl

Ingredients

3 pounds Rinsed shrimp heads & shells

4 quarts Water

Preparation

You may also use crawfish heads and/or shells, or rinsed fish carcasses

(heads and gills removed), or some combination.

In a large stockpot, combine the watere and the seafood. Bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer 3 to 4 hours, or until the liquid is reduced by half. Remove from the heat and strain through a sieve. Allow it to cool slightly, then refrigerate or freeze in batches until needed.

Note: I generally throw in some coarsely chopped onion, bell pepper and celery to add some additional flavor. But if you just want the seafood taste, which is needed for some of the delicate sauces, just use this basic recipe.