Mamma's Hearty Mediterranean Fish Soup
Savor the warmth and comfort of Mamma's Hearty Mediterranean Fish Soup, a delightful recipe that brings the taste of the coast to your family table. Bursting with a medley of fresh vegetables, robust herbs, and an assorted catch of fish, this dish is perfect for sharing on a cozy Friday night. The rich tomato base, complemented by the finesse of dry white wine and the brininess of clam juice, makes for a deeply flavorful soup that will have everyone returning for seconds. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil and parsley, and pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
celery ribs
2 (chopped)
carrots
2 (sliced)
green pepper
1 (chopped)
crushed tomatoes
2 (28 ounce cans) (none)
tomato sauce
1 (16 ounce can) (none)
clam juice
1 (6 ounce bottle) (none)
potatoes
3 medium (peeled and diced)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh basil leaves
4 (torn up)
halibut
1/2 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
sole
1/2 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
red snapper
1/2 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
dry white wine
1 cup (none)
fresh parsley
3-4 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh basil leaves
5-6 (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, sliced carrots, and chopped green pepper. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften but still retain their crunch.
3
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, clam juice, and diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4
Season with black pepper, dried oregano, and torn fresh basil leaves. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5
Gently add the halibut, sole, and red snapper to the pot, followed by the dry white wine. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the fish pieces.
6
Cover the pot again and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the fish to cook through and absorb the flavors.
7
Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional chopped basil for a fresh burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mamma's Hearty Mediterranean Fish Soup?
It is a flavorful, coastal-style soup featuring a rich tomato base, fresh vegetables, and an assortment of fish like halibut, sole, and red snapper.
What types of fish are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a combination of halibut, sole, and red snapper, all cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I substitute the fish in the soup?
Yes, you can use other firm white fish or seafood varieties depending on what is fresh and available at your local market.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The soup includes chopped onion, minced garlic, celery, sliced carrots, green pepper, and diced potatoes.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the vegetables in olive oil for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
What is used for the soup's liquid base?
The base is made from crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, clam juice, and dry white wine.
How many potatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 3 medium potatoes, which should be peeled and diced.
What herbs provide the Mediterranean flavor?
Flavor is added through dried oregano, fresh basil leaves, and freshly chopped parsley.
Is there alcohol in this soup?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of dry white wine, which is added along with the fish.
When do I add the fish to the pot?
The fish should be added after the vegetable and tomato mixture has simmered for 20 minutes and the potatoes are tender.
How long does the fish take to cook?
Once added, the fish should simmer for approximately 10 minutes to cook through and absorb the flavors.
How do I prevent the fish from breaking apart?
Stir very carefully after adding the fish pieces to ensure they remain intact.
What garnish should I use?
Garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley and additional torn or chopped basil leaves.
What should I serve with this fish soup?
It is best served hot with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato broth.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves for a robust flavor.
Is clam juice necessary for this recipe?
Clam juice adds a traditional briny depth, though you could substitute with fish stock if needed.
Can I make this soup spicy?
While the recipe calls for black pepper and oregano, you could add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier profile.
How many cans of tomatoes are required?
You will need two 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes and one 16-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify that the potatoes should be peeled before dicing.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much total fish is in the recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 1.5 lbs of fish (1/2 lb each of halibut, sole, and red snapper).
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, but ensure the fish is completely thawed and patted dry before adding it to the soup.
How do I prepare the basil?
Some basil is torn up to be simmered in the soup, while more is chopped for the final garnish.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a vegetable-rich soup using lean protein and healthy fats like olive oil.
What size should the fish pieces be?
The fish should be cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
How long is the total simmering time?
The soup simmers for 20 minutes with the vegetables/potatoes, and then another 10 minutes once the fish is added, totaling about 30 minutes.
What kind of wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is ideal for this Mediterranean dish.
Can I add other seafood like shrimp?
Yes, shrimp or mussels would be excellent additions alongside the white fish.
Is this a good recipe for large families?
Yes, it is a hearty and filling soup that is perfect for sharing during family gatherings.
Does the soup store well?
While best fresh, it can be refrigerated; however, take care when reheating so the fish does not become overcooked.