Traditional Fish Soup

Icelandic Fish Soup Recipe with Flounder, Salmon and Shrimp

Region / culture: Iceland | Servings: 4

Introduction

Traditional Fish Soup is a classic dish that is both comforting and flavorful. This recipe combines a variety of seafood with a rich and creamy broth, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Fish soup has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. It is often made with a combination of different types of fish, shellfish, and vegetables, creating a hearty and nutritious meal. This particular recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite among seafood lovers.

Ingredients

3 – 4 tbsp of butter or oil
1 red onion, cut into julienne
0.5 leek (white part only), cut into thin slices
1 stalk of celery, cut into small pieces
2 qt (1.89 liters) of fish stock or mild chicken stock
250 ml (10 oz or 283 g) of heavy cream
2 – 3 oz (85 g) of dry sherry or port
1 small can (70 g or 2 oz) of tomato purée
5 – 6 strings of saffron
1 – 3 tbsp of vinegar (e.g. tarragon vinegar)
0.5 cup of dry white wine
8 oz (227 g) of flounder fillet, cut into small pieces
8 oz (227 g) of salmon fillet, cut into small pieces
6 oz (170 g) of Icelandic shrimp (salad prawns)
salt and white pepper

How to prepare

Melt the butter in a pot and add all the vegetables. Cook them over low heat for 4 – 6 minutes until they become tender.
Pour in the stock, cream, sherry, tomato purée, saffron, vinegar, and white wine.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 6 – 8 minutes.
Add the prawns and bring the soup to a boil again. Be careful not to let it boil for too long.
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Adding a small amount of unmelted butter is optional but can enhance the flavor.

Variations

Add different types of seafood, such as mussels or clams, for a more diverse flavor.
Use different herbs and spices to change up the flavor profile of the soup.
Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or spinach for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh seafood for the best flavor.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

- Do not overcook the seafood, as it can become tough and rubbery.

- Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fish soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup gently to avoid overcooking the seafood.

- Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even cooking.

- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed throughout the cooking process.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

- Substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream for a dairy-free option.

- Use different types of fish or seafood based on your preferences or what is available.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve in individual bowls with a drizzle of olive oil on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Traditional Fish Soup with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 22g per serving

Saturated Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 18g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Contains: Fish, dairy

Summary

This Traditional Fish Soup is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a hearty meal.

Summary

Traditional Fish Soup is a classic dish that is both delicious and nutritious. With a rich and creamy broth and a variety of seafood, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Traditional Fish Soup in an old cookbook that belonged to my grandmother. The pages were stained and yellowed with age, but the recipe itself was written in beautiful cursive handwriting that I recognized as my grandmother's. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, memories flooded back to me of the times I spent in her kitchen as a child, watching her cook with such love and skill.

I remember how she would always start by selecting the freshest fish from the market, carefully inspecting each one to ensure its quality. She would then meticulously clean and prepare the fish, removing scales and bones with precision and expertise that only comes from years of practice. I watched in awe as she effortlessly filleted the fish, the sharp knife gliding through the flesh with ease.

Next, she would gather the rest of the ingredients: onions, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices. Each ingredient was added with care and consideration, the flavors blending together to create a symphony of tastes and aromas. I can still remember the scent of the garlic sizzling in the pan, the tomatoes bursting with juiciness, and the herbs releasing their fragrant oils.

As the soup simmered on the stove, my grandmother would regale me with stories of her own childhood, growing up in a small fishing village by the sea. She shared tales of early morning trips to the market with her father, watching the fishermen haul in their catch and choosing the freshest fish for their family meals. She spoke of the simple yet delicious dishes they would prepare, using only the finest ingredients and cooking techniques passed down through generations.

Her love for cooking was palpable in every dish she made, and I could see it reflected in her eyes as she stirred the pot and tasted the broth, adjusting the seasoning until it was just right. I learned so much from her in those moments, not just about cooking, but about life and love and the importance of family and tradition.

When the soup was finally ready, she would ladle it into bowls and sprinkle it with fresh parsley, the vibrant green contrasting beautifully with the rich broth and tender chunks of fish. We would sit down together at the table, the steam rising from our bowls as we savored each spoonful, the flavors dancing on our tongues and warming our hearts.

As I grew older, I began to appreciate the significance of this recipe and the legacy it represented. It wasn't just about the ingredients or the cooking techniques; it was about the memories and stories that were woven into every bite. It was about the love and care that went into creating something delicious and nourishing for the ones you hold dear.

I have since made this Traditional Fish Soup countless times, adding my own touches and variations along the way. Each time I prepare it, I feel connected to my grandmother and the generations of women who came before her, passing down their knowledge and recipes through the ages. And as I share this dish with my own loved ones, I know that I am continuing a tradition that is as old as time itself, a tradition of love and food and family that will never fade.

So as I sit here now, writing down this story and sharing it with you, I hope that you too will feel inspired to create something special in your own kitchen. Whether it's a pot of soup or a batch of cookies or a roast dinner, take the time to savor the process and appreciate the history and love that goes into every dish. And remember, the most important ingredient of all is the love you put into it.