Fish

Conger conger

A tier

Conger conger is the European conger—a large marine eel with dense, meaty white flesh that holds up to stews, soups, and grilling better than delicate flatfish. Flavour is mild-sweet with a slight richness; texture is firm and slightly fibrous when from big fish. Use steaks in matelote-style stews, Spanish caldeiradas, or grill smaller sections hard. Skin is tough—remove it. Conger is traditional in Atlantic European coastal cookery and needs thorough cooking through the thick muscle.