Hearty Fisherman's Stew: A Bouillabaisse-Inspired Fish Soup

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a proper fish soup recipe that's actually doable? honestly, you know those fancy restaurant bouillabaisse recipes ? well, this one’s inspired by that.

Think fancy seafood soup recipe without the faff. this hearty fisherman's stew is packed with flavour and easy enough for a weeknight.

Brief Overview

This fish stew takes cues from classic french cuisine. it's a mediterranean fish soup but simplified for a home cook.

It’s medium difficulty and takes about an hour. makes six servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

Seafood is ace for you. it's full of omega-3 fatty acids! this easy fish soup is perfect for a chilly evening.

What makes this best fish chowder special? the layers of flavour from saffron and fennel.

Ready for the Ingredients?

You'll need a few bits and bobs, but trust me, it's worth it. first up, the base ingredients. get 2 tablespoons of olive oil ready.

Then chop 1 large onion, 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks, aiming for about a cup of each, and mince 4 cloves of garlic.

Next, measure out 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you fancy a bit of a kick.

I remember one time adding way too many red pepper flakes. oh my gosh! i swear, it made me look like i had a fever after only one spoonful! after that, grab a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 6 cups of fish stock, 1 cup of dry white wine, and don't forget the bay leaf and ¼ teaspoon of saffron threads - it makes the creamy new england fish chowder so special! oh, and a tablespoon of pernod! salt and pepper, to taste.

Hearty Fisherman's Stew: A Bouillabaisse-Inspired Fish Soup Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (800g)
• 6 cups fish stock (1.4 liters) (low sodium)
• 1 cup dry white wine (240 ml) (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
• 1 tablespoon Pernod (optional) (15 ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound firm white fish fillets (e.g., cod, haddock, halibut), cut into 1-inch pieces (450g)
• 1 pound mixed seafood (e.g., shrimp, mussels, clams), cleaned (450g)
• 1/2 pound small cooked potatoes, halved (225g)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in the pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened. Add garlic, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, fish stock, white wine, bay leaf, and saffron. Bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Add the fish and potatoes to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes. Then add the shrimp, mussels, and clams.
• Cover the pot and cook until the mussels and clams open (discard any that don't open). Fish should be opaque and flaky.
• Stir in Pernod (if using). Remove bay leaf. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:15g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:French

Ingredients & Equipment for the Fish Soup Recipe

So, you wanna make my killer fish soup recipe ? ace! this fish stew is proper lush, but don't stress, it's not as cheffy as it sounds.

I am going to tell you the ingredients and equipment you will need to create your mediterranean fish soup . let's get this show on the road.

Main Ingredients

Right then, here's what you'll need. Don't skimp on the quality, yeah? It really makes a difference. And the ingredients below can also be helpful when making Easy fish soup :

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Get a decent extra virgin one. You can tell a good quality oil by tasting it, it should have a slight peppery finish.

• Onion: 1 large , chopped.

• Carrots: 2 , chopped.

• Celery: 2 stalks , chopped.

• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced.

• Fennel Seeds: 1 teaspoon . Toast them gently in a dry pan for a deeper flavour.

• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional). Add more if you like some heat.

• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can (800g) . Good quality tinned tomatoes are fine, look for Italian ones if you can.

• Fish Stock: 6 cups (1.4 liters) , low sodium. Making a Homemade fish stock recipe takes ages, so a decent shop-bought one is fine.

• Dry White Wine: 1 cup (240 ml) . Sauvignon Blanc is banging.

• Bay Leaf: 1 .

• Saffron Threads: 1/4 teaspoon , crushed. This is important in a Bouillabaisse recipe ! Don't skip it!.

• Pernod: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) (optional). It adds a subtle aniseed flavour.

• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

• Firm White Fish Fillets: 1 pound (450g) , such as cod, haddock or halibut, cut into 1-inch pieces. Cod is a great choice.

• Mixed Seafood: 1 pound (450g) , shrimp, mussels and clams, cleaned. Mussels have to be properly cleaned, yeah?

• Small Cooked Potatoes: 1/2 pound (225g) , halved. I like new potatoes.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.

• Crusty Bread: For serving, obvs.

Seasoning Notes

Honestly, the key to this fish soup recipe is the aromatics. the fennel seeds, garlic, and saffron all work together.

If you don't have pernod, don't worry too much; a tiny drop of anise extract will do the job, or just leave it out.

Want a spicy seafood soup recipe ? throw in a chopped chilli or a dash of hot sauce.

Equipment Needed

You don't need loads of fancy gear for this. Just the basics:

• Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Dutch oven.
• Cutting Board.
• Chef's Knife.

If you don't have a fancy Dutch oven, don't stress. A big pot will do just fine. You could try a Fish Chowder With Bacon variation next time.

Now get your apron on, and let's make some magic!. Let me know what you think about this Creamy New England Fish Chowder -inspired soup recipe.

Hearty Fisherman's Stew: A Bouillabaisse-Inspired Fish Soup

Oh my gosh, are you ready for a proper fish soup recipe ? honestly, this isn't just any fish soup .

It's a hearty hug in a bowl. a bouillabaisse recipe made easy. think of it as your new go-to for "last night of the proms" weather.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

First, the chopping! chop 1 large onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks. mince 4 cloves of garlic. this bit takes about 25 minutes .

Having everything prepped is key for a smooth cook. no one wants to be frantically chopping while the garlic burns.

Step-by-Step: From Pot to Bowl

1. Sauté in 2 tablespoons olive oil the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
2. Add garlic, 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy). Cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in one 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes, 6 cups fish stock, 1 cup white wine, one bay leaf, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed saffron threads.
4. Bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes . This lets all the flavours get to know each other.
6. Add 1 pound of firm white fish (like cod) and 1/2 pound cooked potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes .
7. Chuck in 1 pound mixed seafood like shrimp, mussels, and clams.
8. Cover the pot and cook until the mussels and clams open. Discard any that don't. It takes about 5 minutes . Fish should be flaky!

Pro Tips for a Phenomenal Fish Soup

Want to elevate your seafood soup recipe ? use a good homemade fish stock recipe ! it makes a massive difference.

Also, don't overcook the seafood! it turns rubbery really quickly. now you know?

A classic version can be made using Creamy New England Fish Chowder . You can add Fish Chowder With Bacon as an enhancement.

Fancy a mediterranean fish soup ? add some olives and capers. for a richer texture, stir in a bit of cream at the end to change it in to fish stew .

If you are feeling adventurous, and looking for the best fish chowder , use smoked fish like haddock. honestly, it is a game changer.

I promise you!

And there you have it. A easy fish soup recipe that's both impressive and achievable. Get cooking.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Fish Soup Recipe

Right then, let's chat about some extra bits to make your hearty fisherman's stew: a bouillabaisse-inspired fish soup absolutely banging .

Honestly, this ain't just any fish soup . we are going for best fish chowder levels of flavour here!

Serving Suggestions: Showin' Off Your Seafood Soup

Presentation matters. ladle your seafood soup recipe into rustic bowls. top with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. a swirl of olive oil? chef's kiss .

Serve with crusty bread, you know, for soaking up all that lovely broth. add a green salad as a side.

A simple lemon wedge is a great bouillabaisse recipe companion!

Why not try making a rouille to smear over your bread?

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries! This easy fish soup keeps well.

Pop it in the fridge for up to three days. make sure it's in an airtight container. freezing is an option, but the texture of the fish might change a bit.

Reheat gently on the hob. don't boil it . nobody wants rubbery fish.

Variations: Gettin' Creative With Your Fish Stew

Fancy a bit of a change? go for a creamy version. stir in 120ml of heavy cream at the end.

You can also add a bit of spice by tossing in a chopped jalapeno. remember to taste the soup at various stages.

Adjust to taste.

This is YOUR Mediterranean fish soup now!

If you fancy a Fish Chowder With Bacon , simply add crisp bacon on top before serving.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, so this fish stew is not only tasty but pretty good for you. we're talking about lean protein from the fish.

Vitamin from the vegetables. omege-3's for the brain. think about it, it's pretty much a superfood, right?

On average this fish soup recipe contains approximately 350 calories, 35g of protein, 15g of fat and 20g of carbohydrates.

Remember, these are estimates. consider using a homemade fish stock recipe if you're watching your sodium intake. you know, sometimes you just want that authentic creamy new england fish chowder without the guilt.

So, there you have it. all the extra bits to make your fish soup truly special. give it a go, have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment.

I know you can make a gorgeous meal. get in the kitchen and have a go!