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Eels in Matelote

Skin two pounds of very fresh eels, cut the heads off, thoroughly wipe, cut into two-inch-long pieces and keep on a plate.

Heat two tablespoons lard in a saucepan, add twelve very small peeled onions, one bean sound garlic, and brown them for ten minutes, lightly stirring once in a while; besprinkle with two tablespoons flour, stir well, brown for five minutes, and moisten with a half pint claret. Tie together two branches parsley, one branch chives, one bay leaf, one clove, a sprig thyme and add to the pan; mix a little and let boil for ten minutes. Add the fish with twelve canned mushrooms, mix a little, cover the pan and let simmer for forty minutes. Take up the bouquet of herbs and garlic, pour into a hot, deep dish, sprinkle a little freshly chopped parsley over arrange six heart-shaped croutons around and serve.