Latvian Fish and Root Vegetable Stew
A comforting and nourishing stew featuring flaky white fish combined with hearty root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, simmered in a flavorful broth. This dish highlights the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients common in Latvian home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g White fish fillets(such as cod, pike-perch, or haddock, cut into chunks)
- 400 g Potatoes(peeled and diced)
- 200 g Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 150 g Parsnips(peeled and diced)
- 1 medium Leek(white and light green parts, sliced)
- 800 ml Vegetable broth
- 1 Bay leaf
- 5 Peppercorns
- 3 tbsp Fresh dill(chopped, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced leek and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and diced parsnips to the pot. Stir to coat with butter and leeks.
💡 Tip: Ensure vegetables are cut into roughly uniform sizes for even cooking. - 3
Pour in the vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- 4
Gently add the fish chunks to the simmering stew. Season with salt and black pepper. Continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- 5
Remove the bay leaf and peppercorns before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it can become dry. - 6
Garnish generously with fresh chopped dill and parsley.
💡 Tip: Fresh herbs add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the stew.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add other root vegetables like celery root or rutabaga.
- ✓For a creamier stew, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or sour cream at the end.
- ✓Serve with a side of dark rye bread for dipping.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of frozen peas or green beans in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Use a different type of fish, such as salmon or trout, for a richer flavor.
- Incorporate a pinch of dried marjoram or thyme for added aroma.