Albanian Fish Stew with Vegetables and Herbs
A light yet flavorful fish stew featuring chunks of white fish simmered with a medley of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a touch of tomato. This dish is a delightful representation of coastal Albanian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g White fish fillets (e.g., cod, sea bass), cut into chunks
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Onion, finely chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium Bell peppers (red and yellow), chopped
- 1 medium Zucchini, chopped
- 1 medium Carrot, chopped
- 400 g can Diced tomatoes
- 500 ml Fish or vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Sautéing the onion first builds a sweet flavor base for the stew. - 2
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. - 3
Add the chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and carrot to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
💡 Tip: Cooking the vegetables slightly before adding liquid helps to develop their flavors. - 4
Pour in the diced tomatoes and fish or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Using a good quality broth will enhance the overall flavor of the stew. - 5
Season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to cook through.
💡 Tip: Simmering gently ensures the vegetables cook without becoming mushy. - 6
Gently add the fish chunks to the simmering stew. Cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. Avoid over-stirring to prevent the fish from breaking apart.
💡 Tip: Fish cooks quickly, so monitor it closely to prevent overcooking. - 7
Stir in the chopped parsley, dill, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: Adding fresh herbs and lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors of the stew.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can use a variety of firm white fish for this stew. Avoid oily fish like salmon, as they can overpower the delicate flavors.
- ✓For a spicier stew, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
- ✓Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of capers or olives for a briny flavor.
- Include other vegetables like potatoes or leeks.
- For a richer broth, add a splash of white wine before the broth.