Ribja Juha iz Jadrana
A flavorful and aromatic fish stew inspired by the Adriatic coast, featuring fresh fish, shellfish, and a rich tomato-based broth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 small Fennel bulb(thinly sliced)
- 150 ml White wine(dry, such as Malvasia or Pinot Grigio)
- 400 g Pureed tomatoes (passata)
- 750 ml Fish stock
- 1 Bay leaf
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp Fresh thyme(leaves)
- 300 g Cod fillets(cut into large chunks)
- 200 g Shrimp(peeled and deveined)
- 300 g Mussels(cleaned)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- Crusty bread(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sliced fennel, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 3
Stir in the pureed tomatoes, fish stock, bay leaf, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Using good quality fish stock will significantly enhance the flavor. - 4
Season the broth with salt and pepper. Gently add the cod chunks to the simmering broth. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- 5
Add the shrimp and cleaned mussels to the pot. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that do not open.
💡 Tip: Don't overcook the seafood; it cooks quickly. - 6
Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the fish stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
💡 Tip: Crusty bread is essential for soaking up the delicious broth.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add other types of firm white fish like sea bass or snapper.
- ✓A pinch of saffron can add a beautiful color and subtle flavor.
- ✓For a spicier broth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of Pernod or ouzo for an anise flavor.
- Include other shellfish like clams or calamari rings.