Dalmatian Style Clear Fish Broth with Rice
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Croatian coastline with this Dalmatian Style Clear Fish Broth. Crafted with fresh, white fish and infused with a medley of aromatic ingredients, this clear soup showcases the essence of traditional Dalmatian cuisine. Perfect for any season, it warms the soul and serves as a delightful starter or a light meal. The addition of tender rice adds a comforting texture, making it a beloved staple across Croatia. Ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner.
4
Servings
80
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 liter (cold)
white fish (bream, etc.)
400 g (cleaned and cut into chunks)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
tomato
1 (sliced in half)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
whole black peppercorn
1 teaspoon (whole)
vegetable bouillon cubes
2 cubes (or 2 teaspoons of Vegeta seasoning, preferably Podravka brand)
rice
50 g (uncooked, to be cooked separately)
chopped parsley
1 tablespoon (fresh)
bay leaves
4 medium-sized (whole)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the cold water with the cleaned fish cut into chunks, olive oil, halved tomato, lemon juice, bay leaves, and whole black peppercorns.
2
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the vegetable bouillon cubes or Vegeta seasoning and reduce the heat to a simmer.
3
Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
4
While the soup is simmering, rinse the uncooked rice under cold water and then cook it according to package instructions. Once done, strain the rice and set it aside.
5
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the cooked fish from the pot, using a slotted spoon, and set it aside on a plate. Strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids, returning only the clear broth to the pot.
6
Debone the cooked fish pieces, taking care to remove any skin or bones. Return the fish to the strained soup, adding the chopped parsley and the additional olive oil, stirring gently to combine.
7
To serve, you can either add the cooked rice directly to the soup or place rice in individual bowls and ladle the clear soup over the top. Note that serving the soup separate from the rice helps preserve the texture and taste of both components for future enjoyment.
8
For variation, feel free to use frozen fish fillets, although fresh fish will yield the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dalmatian Style Clear Fish Broth with Rice?
It is a traditional Croatian soup from the Dalmatian coast featuring fresh white fish, aromatic ingredients, and rice, known for its clear appearance and vibrant flavor.
What kind of fish is best for this recipe?
Fresh white fish such as bream is highly recommended to achieve the best traditional flavor.
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, frozen fish fillets can be used for convenience, although fresh fish yields the most authentic and superior flavor.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 80 calories per serving in this Dalmatian fish broth.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the purpose of the tomato in the broth?
A halved tomato is simmered with the broth to add a subtle acidity and complexity to the clear soup.
Why is the rice cooked separately?
Cooking the rice separately helps preserve the texture of both the rice and the clear broth, preventing the soup from becoming cloudy or the rice from overcooking.
What is Vegeta seasoning?
Vegeta is a popular Croatian all-purpose seasoning made from a blend of salt, spices, and dried vegetables, often used to enhance the flavor of soups.
How long does the fish broth need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for approximately 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How much water is needed for the base?
The recipe requires 1 liter of cold water to start the broth.
What are the nutritional macros per serving?
Each serving contains 2.5g of fat, 11.25g of carbohydrates, and 6.25g of protein.
Is this fish soup healthy?
Yes, it is considered a healthy, light meal or starter that warms the soul and uses fresh, aromatic ingredients.
What should I do after the fish is cooked?
Carefully remove the fish chunks with a slotted spoon, debone them to remove skin and bones, and then return the clean fish pieces to the strained broth.
What gives the broth its citrusy note?
The addition of two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a bright, refreshing flavor to the broth.
How many bay leaves are used?
The recipe calls for 4 medium-sized whole bay leaves.
Can I substitute the vegetable bouillon cubes?
Yes, you can use 2 teaspoons of Vegeta seasoning as a substitute for the vegetable bouillon cubes.
When should I add the parsley?
Chopped fresh parsley should be added at the final stage after the broth has been strained and the deboned fish is returned to the pot.
What is the role of olive oil in this recipe?
Olive oil is used both in the initial boiling phase and added again at the end to provide richness and traditional Mediterranean flavor.
Do I need to strain the soup?
Yes, the broth should be strained through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the peppercorns, bay leaves, and tomato solids for a clear finish.
How should the fish be prepared before cooking?
The fish should be cleaned and cut into chunks before being added to the cold water.
Can this soup be served as a main course?
While often served as a starter, the addition of rice and fish makes it a satisfying light meal.
What type of peppercorns should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of whole black peppercorns.
Is this recipe suitable for those on a low-fat diet?
With only 2.5g of fat per serving, this is an excellent choice for a low-fat diet.
How do I serve the soup to guests?
You can either add the cooked rice directly to the pot or place a portion of rice in individual bowls and ladle the clear soup over it.
What makes this broth 'Dalmatian style'?
Its use of fresh white fish, olive oil, lemon, and the clear broth technique is characteristic of the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.
Can I use other grains besides rice?
Traditional recipes use rice, but you could experiment with other small grains, though it may change the authentic profile of the dish.
Does the recipe require salt?
Salt is typically provided by the vegetable bouillon cubes or Vegeta seasoning, so additional salt is often unnecessary.
Is the fish broth gluten-free?
It is gluten-free as long as the vegetable bouillon or Vegeta seasoning used is certified gluten-free.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the broth and fish gently on the stove, adding the stored rice only when ready to eat to maintain texture.
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
While this is a clear broth, some variations include finely diced carrots, though the traditional version remains simple and clear.