Riblja Čorba (Montenegrin Fish Soup)
A hearty and flavorful fish soup, a staple in Montenegrin cuisine, particularly along the coast. This version emphasizes fresh fish, vegetables, and a touch of paprika for warmth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Mixed firm white fish fillets(such as sea bream, sea bass, or cod, cut into chunks)
- 100 g Smoked fish (optional)(such as smoked mackerel or trout, for added depth)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 2 medium Celery stalks(diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 400 g Canned diced tomatoes
- 1.5 l Fish stock or water
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Sweet paprika
- 0.5 tsp Hot paprika (optional)
- 0.5 bunch Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
- for serving Lemon wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive 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: Do not brown the vegetables, just soften them. - 2
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the sweet paprika and hot paprika (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices.
- 4
Add the canned diced tomatoes and their juices. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly.
- 5
Pour in the fish stock or water. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 6
Gently add the mixed fish fillets (and smoked fish, if using) to the simmering soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook.
💡 Tip: The fish should flake easily with a fork. - 7
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in most of the chopped fresh parsley.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning carefully, as fish and stock can be salty. - 8
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
💡 Tip: A crusty bread is perfect for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a variety of fish for a more complex flavor.
- ✓Don't overcook the fish; it should remain tender.
- ✓Adjust the amount of paprika to your spice preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of white wine to the sautéed vegetables for extra depth.
- Include other vegetables like leeks or bell peppers.
- For a creamier soup, stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or heavy cream at the end.