This Catalan Style Fish Soup is a warm, comforting dish filled with fresh fish and tasty vegetables. Each spoonful is like a hug from the sea!
When I make this soup, it feels like a mini beach vacation on a chilly day. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you have a meal that warms both the heart and the belly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps in cooking the vegetables. If you’re running low, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter. I love olive oil for its health benefits and rich taste!
Onion: A finely chopped onion gives a sweet base to the soup. You can switch this out for shallots or green onions if preferred, depending on what you have at hand.
Red Bell Pepper: It adds color and sweetness. You could substitute it with yellow or orange bell peppers for a similar flavor and look, or even use zucchini for a different twist.
Fish Stock: Stock brings rich flavor to the soup. If you don’t have any, water will work too, but add a bit of fish sauce or a bouillon cube for extra depth. Homemade or store-bought is great!
White Fish: Cod or hake are perfect choices here. If you’re vegetarian, consider using tofu or chickpeas, both will soak up the flavors nicely. Canned crab or shrimp can also be used in a pinch.
Saffron: This is optional but adds a lovely aroma and color. If you don’t have it, turmeric can be a nice, cheaper substitute for color, but beware—it has a stronger flavor!
How to Get the Vegetables Just Right?
Cooking your vegetables until they’re tender is crucial for a cozy soup. Properly soft veggies create a rich base. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by heating olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and let them soften, about 5 minutes.
- Then stir in garlic and red bell pepper, cooking 3-4 minutes. You want them to get tender but not mushy.
- Adding diced tomatoes along with sweet paprika infuses the soup with flavor. Cook until tomatoes break down, about 5 minutes.
Keep stirring occasionally to prevent anything from sticking or burning. Enjoying a smooth soup starts with perfectly cooked veggies!
How to Make Catalan Style Fish Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (optional)
- 4 cups fish stock or water
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 400g white fish fillets (e.g., cod or hake), cut into chunks
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Catalan style fish soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of cooking time. You’ll be enjoying a warm, aromatic soup in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Add More Flavor:
Next, add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Cook these together for another 3-4 minutes. You want the pepper to be tender and the garlic to be fragrant.
3. Build the Base:
Now, it’s time to add the diced tomatoes, sweet paprika, and optional saffron threads. Stir everything together, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and create a lovely base for your soup.
4. Simmer It Up:
Pour in 4 cups of fish stock or water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the cubed potatoes. Let them cook until they’re tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
5. Add the Seafood:
Once the potatoes are soft, carefully add the chunks of white fish and shrimp into the pot. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until all the seafood is cooked through and delicious!
6. Taste and Serve:
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Then, ladle your Catalan style fish soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve it hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Different Types of Fish?
Absolutely! While cod and hake are great choices, you can use any firm white fish such as tilapia, snapper, or even salmon. Just ensure that whatever fish you choose is fresh, which will enhance the flavor of the soup!
Is It Possible to Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance! Just cook it up to the point before adding the seafood. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge for 1-2 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat it on the stove and add the seafood just before serving to keep it tender and fresh.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat the soup, do so gently on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the soup looks thick after refrigeration, you might want to add a splash of water or stock while reheating!
Can I Make This Soup Spicy?
Definitely! If you like a bit of heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onions. Start with a small amount, then taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level!
