Maneštra od Riba
Fish Maneštra
A hearty and flavorful fish soup or stew, particularly popular in coastal regions of Croatia. It's a rustic dish made with various types of fish, vegetables, and often beans or pasta.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Assorted firm white fish fillets(e.g., cod, sea bass, snapper, cut into chunks)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Leeks(white and light green parts, sliced)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(diced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned diced, or fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 liter Vegetable or fish broth
- 200 g White beans(cooked or canned, rinsed)
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- for serving Lemon wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic and sliced leeks to the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and leeks are tender.
- 3
Stir in diced carrots and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable or fish broth, cooked white beans, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Using canned tomatoes saves time and provides consistent flavor. - 5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- 6
Gently add the fish chunks to the simmering soup. Cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
💡 Tip: The residual heat will continue to cook the fish, so remove from heat just as it becomes opaque. - 7
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
💡 Tip: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat. - 8
Ladle the maneštra into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
💡 Tip: Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a variety of fish for a more complex flavor profile.
- ✓If using fresh tomatoes, blanch and peel them first for a smoother texture.
- ✓For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
- Include other seafood like shrimp or mussels along with the fish.
- A splash of white wine added with the broth can enhance the flavor.