Keptazuvienė
Lithuanian Fried Fish Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring pan-fried fish, potatoes, and vegetables, often enriched with sour cream for a creamy finish. It's a comforting dish that showcases the bounty of Lithuanian rivers and lakes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g White fish fillets (e.g., pike-perch, cod, or zander)(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 500 g Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(sliced)
- 50 g Butter
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 750 ml Fish or vegetable broth
- 150 ml Sour cream
- 0.5 bunch Dill(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour(for dredging fish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the fish pieces dry and season with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour.
💡 Tip: Light dredging helps create a nice crust and thickens the stew slightly. - 2
Heat vegetable oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the fish pieces until golden brown on both sides. Remove fish and set aside.
- 3
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Add sliced carrots to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- 5
Add the cubed potatoes and fish or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- 6
Stir in the sour cream and gently place the fried fish pieces back into the stew. Simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes, without boiling, until the fish is heated through.
💡 Tip: Avoid vigorous boiling after adding sour cream to prevent curdling. - 7
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish generously with fresh chopped dill before serving.
💡 Tip: Fresh dill is crucial for authentic flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use fresh, good-quality fish for the best flavor.
- ✓Don't overcook the fish; it should remain moist.
- ✓Adjust the amount of sour cream to your preference for creaminess.
- ✓Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a bay leaf to the broth while simmering for extra aroma.
- Include other root vegetables like parsnips or celery root.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of fish and vegetable broth.