As I dive into a cozy culinary adventure, picture this: a steaming pot of comfort awaiting you as you embrace the delicate dance of flavors in this delightful fish stew. 🌿🍲 Let’s transform simple ingredients into a heartwarming masterpiece that whispers tales of the sea, straight from my kitchen to yours.
I adore making satisfying and nourishing meals, and Fish Soup, Greek Mother’s Main Course, is one of my go-to dishes. It’s a soup that, to my mind, is brimming with the healthful flavors of firm white fish, liberal amounts of good olive oil, and several jiggers of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Its longevity on the dinner table is assured by the generous amounts of diced carrots, a soup pot full of flavor-packed ripe tomatoes, and diced celery.
Greek Moms Main Course Fish Soup Recipe Ingredients
- White Fish: Lean protein source, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supports heart health.
- Olive Oil: Healthy fats, anti-inflammatory properties, enhances and balances flavors.
- Lemons: High in vitamin C, adds tangy flavor, aids digestion and immune support.
- Tomatoes: Lycopene-rich, provides sweetness and acidity, supports heart health.
- Carrots: High in beta-carotene, good for vision, adds natural sweetness.
- Celery: Low in calories, adds crunch, provides Vitamin K and antioxidants.
- Onions: Adds depth of flavor, contains antioxidants, supports heart health.
Greek Moms Main Course Fish Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 kg (2 lbs) whole white fish (such as cod or sea bass), cleaned
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 ripe tomatoes, grated
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 50 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1.5 liters (6 cups) water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make this Greek Moms Main Course Fish Soup Recipe
1. Wash the entire fish with cold water and set it aside.
2. In a big pot, pour in the olive oil and warm over a medium flame. Toss in the diced onion and soften until the pieces go mostly clear.
3. Include the carrots, celery, and potatoes in the pot. Stir them until they are well mixed and let them cook for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.
4. Add the grated tomatoes and blend them in to let the flavors mingle for 2-3 minutes.
5. Place the entire fish in the pot, on top of vegetables, and add the oil.
6. Include the bay leaves and water, making sure it blankets the fish and veggies. Then, it’s time to bring the whole pot to a boil.
7. When it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the fish and vegetables are completely cooked.
8. Meticulously take out the fish from the pot and put it aside. Separate the meat from the bones and put it back in the pot; get rid of the bones and skin.
9. Combine the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Maintain the seasoning if adjustments are not needed.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley; serve hot.
Greek Moms Main Course Fish Soup Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large pot with lid
2. Medium bowl or plate (for setting fish aside)
3. Chopping board
4. Sharp kitchen knife
5. Vegetable peeler
6. Grater
7. Measuring cup
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. Lemon juicer
10. Ladle (for serving)
FAQ
- Can I use fish fillets instead of whole fish?Although whole fish adds more flavor because of its bones and head, fish fillets may be used instead. Just remember to add fish bones and heads to the broth for extra flavor, and be sure to remove them before serving.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?Certainly, it’s possible to make the soup a day ahead of time. Reheat it slowly on the stovetop, and add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and some minced parsley just before you serve it.
- What is the best way to clean the fish?Wash the fish with cold water, and scrap off the scales with a fish scaler or the back of a knife. Make sure to gut the fish (if it isn’t already) and clean the inside so that any blood or dark parts are gone, prior to actually cooking the fish.
- Is there a substitute for olive oil in this recipe?You can use a different oil if needed; just select a mild-flavored one, such as canola or sunflower oil. Olive oil may provide the traditional Mediterranean taste we’re going for, but it’s by no means the only way to achieve that flavor profile.
- How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?You can make the soup thicker by slightly mashing some of the potatoes and vegetables once they are cooked. If you want a thinner consistency, add a bit more water as it simmers.
- What type of potatoes are best for this soup?Potatoes that are waxy, like Yukon Gold, hold their shape well and are ideal for this soup. But you can also use any kind of potato, as long as you have it on hand.
Greek Moms Main Course Fish Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations
If fresh whole white fish is not available, using salmon or haddock in its place will yield a different flavor profile. This is an acceptable substitution.
Substitute leeks for onions to get a sweeter, milder flavor in your dish.
If fresh tomatoes are not available, use cans of crushed tomatoes instead.
Instead of using lemon juice, use lime juice for a somewhat different citrusy flair.
Replace fresh parsley with fresh dill to add a different herbal note to the soup.
Pro Tips
1. Enhance Flavor with Fish Stock Instead of using water alone, consider using fish stock or a mix of water and fish stock to add depth of flavor to the dish.
2. Sautéing for Depth Before adding the onions, sauté a few cloves of garlic in the olive oil for an extra layer of aroma and flavor.
3. Skin-on Potatoes If you enjoy a more rustic texture, consider leaving the peel on the potatoes, as this can add extra fiber and flavor.
4. Deglaze with White Wine After sautéing the vegetables, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine to bring a slight acidity and complexity to the broth.
5. Herb Infusion Along with the bay leaves, add a few sprigs of thyme or a pinch of dill to the simmering broth for additional herbal notes. Remove before serving to avoid overpowering the dish.
Greek Moms Main Course Fish Soup Recipe
My favorite Greek Moms Main Course Fish Soup Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot with lid
2. Medium bowl or plate (for setting fish aside)
3. Chopping board
4. Sharp kitchen knife
5. Vegetable peeler
6. Grater
7. Measuring cup
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. Lemon juicer
10. Ladle (for serving)
Ingredients:
- 1 kg (2 lbs) whole white fish (such as cod or sea bass), cleaned
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 ripe tomatoes, grated
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 50 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1.5 liters (6 cups) water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Wash the entire fish with cold water and set it aside.
2. In a big pot, pour in the olive oil and warm over a medium flame. Toss in the diced onion and soften until the pieces go mostly clear.
3. Include the carrots, celery, and potatoes in the pot. Stir them until they are well mixed and let them cook for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.
4. Add the grated tomatoes and blend them in to let the flavors mingle for 2-3 minutes.
5. Place the entire fish in the pot, on top of vegetables, and add the oil.
6. Include the bay leaves and water, making sure it blankets the fish and veggies. Then, it’s time to bring the whole pot to a boil.
7. When it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the fish and vegetables are completely cooked.
8. Meticulously take out the fish from the pot and put it aside. Separate the meat from the bones and put it back in the pot; get rid of the bones and skin.
9. Combine the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Maintain the seasoning if adjustments are not needed.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley; serve hot.