Riblja Čorba sa Dimljenom Slaninom
Fish Soup with Smoked Bacon
A robust and flavorful fish soup, enhanced by the smoky depth of cured bacon, featuring a variety of river fish and vegetables, a staple in Serbian cuisine, especially in regions near rivers.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Assorted river fish(cleaned, scaled, and cut into large pieces (e.g., carp, catfish, pike))
- 150 g Smoked bacon(diced)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 1 medium Parsley root(diced)
- 1 Celery stalk(diced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped, or 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp Sweet paprika
- 1 tsp Hot paprika(or to taste)
- 1 Bay leaf
- 2 liters Water or fish stock
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, render the diced smoked bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
💡 Tip: Crispy bacon bits can be used as a garnish. - 2
Add the chopped onions to the bacon fat and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the diced carrots, parsley root, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to break down.
- 5
Add the sweet and hot paprika, stirring quickly to combine. Be careful not to burn the paprika.
💡 Tip: Add paprika off the heat or on very low heat. - 6
Pour in the water or fish stock, add the bay leaf, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- 7
Add the prepared fish pieces to the boiling liquid. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
💡 Tip: Do not overcook the fish, as it can become dry and mushy. - 8
Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning carefully. - 9
Ladle the fish soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good portion of fish and vegetables. Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon bits and fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Tip: Serve with crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a variety of fish adds complexity to the flavor and texture.
- ✓For a smoother soup, you can blend some of the cooked vegetables with a ladleful of broth before returning it to the pot.
- ✓A splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of rice or small pasta shapes during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a heartier soup.
- Include other vegetables like leeks or bell peppers.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.