Macedonian Fish Chorba
A hearty and flavorful fish soup, typically made with freshwater fish, vegetables, and seasoned with herbs and spices, offering a comforting taste of Macedonian culinary tradition.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Freshwater fish(e.g., carp, trout, or perch, cleaned and cut into large pieces)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 2 medium Celery stalks(diced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(diced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned crushed or fresh, chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or olive oil
- 2 liters Water or fish stock
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 tbsp Dried parsley
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh dill or parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Don't rush this step; softening the vegetables builds a good flavor base. - 2
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the diced potatoes, crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, and dried parsley. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Pour in the water or fish stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- 5
Add the fish pieces to the simmering soup. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it can become dry. - 6
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the fish chorba into bowls and garnish with fresh dill or parsley.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a combination of fish types can add complexity to the flavor.
- ✓For a richer broth, you can make your own fish stock from fish heads and bones.
- ✓Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your desired soup consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of white wine to the sautéed vegetables for extra depth.
- Include other vegetables like leeks or bell peppers.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.