Tomato-Fish Cossack Stew

Tomato-Fish Cossack Stew Recipe from Ukraine

Region / culture: Ukraine | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tomato-Fish Cossack Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of tomatoes with the delicate taste of fish. This stew is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with its vibrant colors and rich flavors.

History

The Tomato-Fish Cossack Stew recipe has its origins in the traditional cuisine of the Cossack people, who are known for their hearty and flavorful dishes. This stew has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

2 chopped onions
2 minced garlic cloves
1 tbsp oil
3 – 6 peeled tomatoes or 16 oz (454 g) canned stewed tomatoes
8 oz (227 g) tomato sauce
1 potato
2 tbsp freshly chopped dill
1 tsp thyme leaves
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 bay leaves
0.25 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped parsley
2 lb (907 g) boneless fish, cubed 0.5"

How to prepare

Cook the onion and garlic in oil until tender.
Cut the tomatoes into pieces.
Peel and chop the potato.
Stir in the undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, potato, dill, bay leaves, thyme, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in the fish, lemon juice, and parsley.
Bring the mixture to a boil again, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Variations

Add in shrimp or scallops for a seafood medley stew.
Substitute the fish with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Be sure to simmer the stew on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to add in other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tomato-Fish Cossack Stew hot with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering

- Sautéing

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.

- Substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stew with a sprig of fresh dill or parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Tomato-Fish Cossack Stew with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 18g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and may not be suitable for those with seafood allergies.

Summary

This Tomato-Fish Cossack Stew is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tomato-Fish Cossack Stew is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the kind of day where the sun shines brightly and the birds sing sweetly. I was visiting my dear friend Olga, who lived in a small village on the outskirts of St. Petersburg. Olga was a marvelous cook, and I always looked forward to our visits because she would always share with me her latest culinary creations.

On this particular day, as I walked into Olga's cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of tomatoes and spices. I could see that she was busy at work, chopping vegetables and stirring a pot on the stove. "What are you making today, Olga?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

Olga turned to me with a gleam in her eye. "I am making Tomato-Fish Cossack Stew," she said with a smile. "It is a traditional dish from my grandmother's recipe book. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I immediately nodded, eager to learn the secrets of this delicious-sounding stew. Olga began to walk me through the recipe, sharing with me the ingredients and the steps involved in creating this flavorful dish. As she spoke, I could see the passion and love she had for cooking shining through in her eyes.

The first step was to sauté onions and garlic in a large pot until they were golden brown and fragrant. Then, Olga added diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and a medley of spices, including paprika and bay leaves. The kitchen was filled with the mouth-watering scent of the stew as it simmered on the stove.

Next, Olga added chunks of white fish to the pot, gently stirring them into the tomato mixture. She explained that the fish needed to cook just until it was opaque and tender, but not overcooked. Finally, she sprinkled fresh dill and parsley on top of the stew, adding a burst of freshness and color.

As the stew simmered on the stove, Olga and I sat down at her kitchen table, sipping cups of hot tea and reminiscing about our shared love of cooking. Olga told me stories of her grandmother, who had passed down the recipe for Tomato-Fish Cossack Stew to her many years ago.

She spoke of how her grandmother had learned the recipe from an old fisherman who lived by the shores of the Black Sea. The fisherman had shared with her the secrets of the stew, teaching her the perfect balance of flavors and spices to create a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

As we sat there, the stew bubbling away on the stove, I felt a sense of connection to Olga's family and the generations of cooks who had come before her. I realized that recipes were not just a collection of ingredients and instructions, but a way of preserving memories and traditions that spanned time and distance.

Finally, after the stew had simmered to perfection, Olga ladled out steaming bowls for us to enjoy. The Tomato-Fish Cossack Stew was a symphony of flavors, with the richness of the tomatoes and spices complementing the delicate fish perfectly. Each bite was a taste of history, a tribute to the generations of cooks who had passed down this recipe through the years.

As I savored the last spoonful of stew, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. I thanked Olga for sharing her grandmother's recipe with me, knowing that I would always hold onto the memories of that warm summer day and the delicious Tomato-Fish Cossack Stew that had brought us together.