Chupín de Pescado
Chupín de Pescado is a traditional Paraguayan fish casserole featuring layers of tender fish fillets, pre-cooked potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and tomatoes, all baked together with Paraguayan cheese and an optional touch of cream. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that highlights the country's connection to its rivers.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Tilapia fillets(or other firm white fish)
- 200 g Potatoes(peeled and thinly sliced)
- 200 g Onions(julienned)
- 200 g Green bell pepper(julienned)
- 200 g Red bell pepper(julienned)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves(sliced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(thinly sliced)
- 200 g Paraguayan cheese(crumbled (or queso fresco/mozzarella))
- 150 ml White wine
- 200 ml Cream(optional)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 to taste Salt
- 1 to taste Black pepper
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 pinch Ground chili pepper(to taste)
- 2 tbsp Chopped parsley(for garnish)
- 1 tsp Fish seasoning(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Pre-cook them in boiling water for about 5 minutes until slightly tender, then drain and set aside.
💡 Tip: Pre-cooking the potatoes ensures they cook through in the casserole. - 2
Julienne the onions and bell peppers. Slice the garlic cloves.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Briefly sauté the onions and garlic until softened, then add the julienned peppers. Season with salt and pepper and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
⏱️ 12 minutes - 4
Season the fish fillets with fish seasoning (if using) and white wine. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
In individual oven-safe bowls or a large casserole dish, layer the pre-cooked potato slices, the sautéed vegetable mixture, the seasoned fish fillets, and the tomato slices. Repeat the layers if necessary.
💡 Tip: Ensure an even distribution of ingredients for balanced cooking. - 6
Season each layer with salt, pepper, oregano, and ground chili pepper. If using cream, drizzle it over the top layer.
💡 Tip: Adjust seasoning to your preference. - 7
Top with the crumbled Paraguayan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the fish is cooked through.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 8
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If Paraguayan cheese is unavailable, queso fresco or a mild mozzarella can be used as a substitute.
- ✓Ensure the potatoes are not overcooked in the initial boiling stage, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- ✓For a richer flavor, consider marinating the fish for a longer period.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like zucchini or corn kernels to the sautéed vegetable mix.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of ground chili pepper.
- Serve with a side of white rice or crusty bread.