Sopa de Pescado con Guineo
A hearty and flavorful fish soup featuring tender chunks of fish and starchy green plantains (guineo verde) simmered in a savory broth with aromatic vegetables. This soup is a comforting and traditional Nicaraguan dish, often enjoyed as a main course.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lb White fish fillets(such as snapper, tilapia, or cod, cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
- 2 medium Green plantains (guineo verde)(peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes(undrained)
- 6 cups Fish stock
- 0.5 cup Cilantro(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 1 Lime(for serving)
👨🍳 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.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), green plantains, and fish stock. Bring the mixture to a boil.
💡 Tip: Ensure the plantains are fully submerged in the liquid. - 4
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the plantains are tender.
- 5
Add the fish pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to break up the fish too much. - 6
Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
💡 Tip: The soup should thicken slightly. - 7
Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving.
💡 Tip: Adding cilantro at the end preserves its fresh flavor and color. - 8
Serve hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
💡 Tip: A squeeze of lime brightens up all the flavors.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked plantain against the side of the pot.
- ✓Any firm white fish can be used. Avoid oily fish as they can overpower the delicate flavors.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like yuca or malanga along with the plantains.
- Include a bay leaf during the simmering process for added aroma.