Emulsifier Free Classic Court Bouillon

Total time45 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time35 min

4.8

(30)

This aromatic poaching liquid is a French kitchen staple, built from white wine, vinegar, fresh aromatics, and a handful of whole spices simmered together until deeply fragrant and golden. The result is a beautifully balanced broth that elevates anything you cook in it — fish, shellfish, or delicate vegetables — without overpowering the natural flavors. Every single ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, which means there are absolutely no hidden additives or emulsifying agents to worry about, unlike many store-bought broths and poaching liquids that quietly sneak them in. Lemon rounds, fresh parsley, thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns do all the heavy lifting, creating layers of brightness and depth that feel genuinely sophisticated. The technique is straightforward: simmer, strain, and you're left with a clean, glossy liquid ready to use right away or stash in the freezer for later. It's the kind of foundational recipe that quietly transforms your cooking once it becomes a regular in your rotation.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

4 servings

8 cups cold water
2 cups dry white wine
¼ cup white wine vinegar
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
4 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 dried bay leaves
1 tsp black peppercorns
½ tsp fennel seeds (optional)
1 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

1
Combine the water, white wine, and white wine vinegar in a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
2
Add the carrots, celery, onion, lemon slices, parsley sprigs, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, black peppercorns, fennel seeds (if using), and kosher salt.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!