Savor the Mediterranean: Hearty Fish Stew
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this hearty fish stew. Infused with aromatic white wine, fresh herbs, and a delightful medley of seafood, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering. The tender cod, combined with earthy potatoes and briny olives, creates a nourishing and satisfying meal that will warm your soul. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in each hearty spoonful.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
white wine
2 tablespoons (used for sautéing)
onion
1 large (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
clam juice
1 bottle (for broth)
water
5 cups (for broth)
potatoes
3 medium (cubed)
cod fish fillets
1 lb (cubed (or other white fish))
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
tomatoes
3 medium (seeded and chopped)
green olives
1/4 cup (cut in half if large)
capers
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
parsley
to garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the white wine over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2
Add the bay leaf, clam juice, and water to the pot. Stir in the cubed potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3
While the stew is simmering, sprinkle the cod fillets (or your chosen white fish) with lemon juice and let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavor.
4
Carefully add the seasoned fish to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the fish to cook through and become flaky.
5
Incorporate the chopped tomatoes, capers, and olives into the stew. Stir gently and let simmer for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
6
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf, and ladle the stew into bowls. Sprinkle generously with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Hearty Fish Stew?
It is a vibrant, nourishing dish featuring tender cod, earthy potatoes, and briny olives in a broth infused with white wine and fresh herbs.
What type of fish is best for this recipe?
Cod fillets are recommended, but you can use any firm white fish that becomes flaky when cooked.
How do I prepare the fish for the stew?
The fish should be cubed and sprinkled with lemon juice for a few minutes before being added to the pot.
What are the primary aromatics used?
The stew begins with a base of chopped onion and minced garlic sautéed in white wine.
What liquid provides the base for the broth?
The broth is made from a combination of white wine, one bottle of clam juice, and five cups of water.
How long should the potatoes cook?
The cubed potatoes should be simmered for about 20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
When do I add the tomatoes to the stew?
The chopped tomatoes are added toward the end of the process, simmering for about 5 minutes with the olives and capers.
What kind of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of green olives, cut in half if they are large.
Are there any special seasonings included?
The stew is flavored with a bay leaf, capers, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice.
How should I garnish the fish stew?
The dish is finished with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color and flavor.
How much fish is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of cod fish fillets or an equivalent amount of another white fish.
Can I substitute the white wine?
The wine is used for sautéing and flavor; if necessary, you could use a splash of white wine vinegar or extra broth, though the flavor profile will change.
How many potatoes are needed?
You will need 3 medium potatoes, which should be cubed before adding to the stew.
Is the bay leaf left in the stew?
No, the bay leaf should be removed from the pot before ladling the stew into bowls.
How many tomatoes should I use?
The recipe requires 3 medium tomatoes that have been seeded and chopped.
What is the purpose of the clam juice?
The clam juice adds a savory, briny depth to the broth that complements the seafood.
How long does the fish take to cook in the broth?
The fish only needs to simmer for about 5 minutes until it is cooked through and flaky.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 minced clove of garlic.
What is the total cooking time for the potatoes?
The potatoes require approximately 20 minutes of simmering to reach the desired tenderness.
Can I add other types of seafood?
While the recipe focuses on cod, you could easily incorporate shrimp or scallops during the final simmering stages.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is a broth-based seafood dish filled with vegetables and lean protein, fitting a healthy Mediterranean diet.
How do I sauté the vegetables without oil?
This recipe uses two tablespoons of white wine as the liquid for sautéing the onions and garlic.
What size should the fish pieces be?
The fish fillets should be cubed into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for one large onion, chopped.
Should the tomatoes be seeded?
Yes, the instructions specify that the tomatoes should be seeded and chopped.
How much water is added to the pot?
The recipe requires 5 cups of water for the broth.
What provides the acidity in the dish?
The acidity comes from the white wine, the fresh lemon juice, and the tomatoes.
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, you can use frozen cod, but ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning with lemon juice.
Is the stew served hot?
Yes, the stew is meant to be served warm in bowls immediately after the final simmer.
What is the role of capers in this stew?
Capers provide a burst of saltiness and tang that is characteristic of Mediterranean seafood dishes.