Caldo de Pez Costarricense
A hearty and flavorful fish soup, often made with a variety of fresh fish and vegetables, seasoned with local herbs and spices. It's a comforting dish popular in coastal regions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lb White fish fillets(such as tilapia, snapper, or sea bass, cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 8 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 stalks Celery stalks(chopped)
- 0.5 cup Cilantro(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1-2 ears ears Optional: Corn on the cob(cut into sections)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add diced tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
- 3
Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- 4
Add the fish pieces and optional corn to the pot. Simmer gently for 5-8 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
- 5
Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a firm white fish that holds its shape well during cooking.
- ✓Don't overcook the fish; it should be just flaky.
- ✓Adjust the amount of lime juice to your preference for tanginess.
- ✓For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the vegetables.
🔄 Variations
- Add other seafood like shrimp or mussels along with the fish.
- Incorporate other root vegetables like yuca or sweet potato.
- Serve with a side of white rice or crusty bread.