Sopa de Pescado con Coco
A rich and aromatic fish soup that highlights the Caribbean influence in Nicaragua, this dish features fresh fish simmered in a creamy coconut milk broth with vegetables and spices. It's a flavorful and comforting soup, especially popular in coastal regions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g White fish fillets(such as snapper, tilapia, or cod, cut into chunks)
- 2 cans (13.5 oz each) Coconut milk
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 1 red Bell pepper(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1/2 cup Cilantro(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Optional: Scotch bonnet pepper(minced, for heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 2
Add the minced garlic and diced tomatoes to the pot. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes - 3
Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: If using, add the minced scotch bonnet pepper at this stage for heat. - 4
Add the fish chunks to the simmering broth. Cook gently for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes💡 Tip: Gently stir the soup to ensure the fish cooks evenly. - 5
Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 6
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use fresh, firm white fish for the best flavor and texture.
- ✓For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked tomatoes against the side of the pot.
- ✓This soup pairs well with white rice or crusty bread.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like diced carrots, potatoes, or corn to the soup.
- Include a handful of shrimp or mussels along with the fish for added seafood flavor.