Description
Mediterranean kitchens sparkle with this zesty spicy lemon fish soup, brimming with oceanic flavors and tangy brightness. Warm, comforting broth invites you to savor each spoonful of coastal culinary magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (450 g) firm white fish fillets (e.g., cod, halibut, or snapper), cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Stock:
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) fish or vegetable stock
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup diced potatoes or sweet potatoes
- ½ cup chopped carrots
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by warming olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature. Introduce finely chopped onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced chili, allowing them to transform and release their vibrant essences for approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Awaken the spice profile by incorporating paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Allow these seasonings to dance and intensify their flavors through a brief 60-second toasting process.
- Create the foundational liquid by pouring fish or vegetable stock into the pot. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then introduce diced potatoes, julienned carrots, chopped celery, and crushed tomatoes. Reduce thermal intensity and permit the vegetables to tenderize during a 15-20 minute simmering cycle.
- Gently nestle fish pieces into the simmering liquid, allowing them to cook delicately for 5-7 minutes until they effortlessly separate into pristine flakes.
- Brighten the soup’s profile by drizzling fresh lemon juice and scattering vibrant parsley or cilantro. Calibrate the seasoning with salt and pepper to harmonize the flavor landscape.
- Transfer the aromatic soup into serving vessels, offering an optional garnish of additional herbs. Complement the dish with rustic bread or steamed rice for a satisfying culinary experience.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper to match personal heat tolerance.
- Use white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia for tender, flaky texture that absorbs soup flavors beautifully.
- Replace fish with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains the soup’s robust Mediterranean-inspired profile.
- Choose fresh herbs strategically – parsley offers mild freshness while cilantro provides a brighter, more vibrant herbal note to the soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg