Caldeirada
Portuguese Fish Stew
A hearty and traditional Portuguese fisherman's stew featuring layers of firm white fish, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, gently simmered in white wine. The key is to avoid stirring, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Mixed firm white fish fillets(A variety of firm white fish like cod, hake, monkfish, or sea bass is ideal. Cut into large, 2-3 inch pieces.)
- 500 g Potatoes(Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best. Peel and cut into thick, 1/2-inch rounds.)
- 3 Onions(Medium-sized, thinly sliced.)
- 3 Tomatoes(Ripe, quartered or cut into thick wedges.)
- 200 ml Dry white wine(Such as Vinho Verde or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil(Good quality extra virgin olive oil.)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(Chopped, for garnish.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the base: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat (approx. 180°C / 350°F). Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Layer the vegetables: Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer over the onions and garlic. Top with half of the quartered tomatoes. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle with one bay leaf.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Add the fish and remaining vegetables: Place the fish pieces on top of the tomato layer. Distribute the remaining potato slices over the fish, followed by the remaining tomatoes. Season again with salt and pepper, and add the second bay leaf.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Add liquid and simmer: Pour the white wine evenly over the contents of the pot. Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat (approx. 150°C / 300°F). Once simmering, reduce the heat to low (approx. 120°C / 250°F) and cook for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. **Crucially, do not stir the stew during this time.** Instead, gently shake the pot occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 40 minutes - 5
Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld further. Carefully ladle the caldeirada into serving bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of fish, potatoes, and vegetables, maintaining the layered appearance as much as possible. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to a great Caldeirada is not to stir the pot once it's simmering. This helps the layers remain intact and prevents the fish from breaking apart too much. If you are concerned about sticking, gently shake the pot.
- ✓Using a variety of different types of firm white fish will add complexity and depth of flavor to your Caldeirada.
- ✓This dish is a traditional Portuguese fisherman's meal, often cooked on boats or in coastal villages, showcasing fresh catches of the day.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a layer of clams or mussels along with the fish for an extra seafood element.
- Experiment with different types of fish, including oily fish like mackerel or sardines for a stronger flavor profile.