Sea bass soup

Sea Bass Soup: An Aquatic Delight

Fish soup is a recipe that has transcended generations, always appreciated for its flavor and the nutritional benefits it offers. This sea bass soup, with a rich taste and comforting aroma, is exactly what you need to warm your soul, especially on chilly days. The story of this soup reminds me of days spent by the water, where a skilled fisherman shared his secret recipes with me. Today, I will guide you step by step to recreate this delicacy at home.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 5 sea bass heads + 5 tails
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 1 onion
- A piece of celery (about 100g)
- 3 tablespoons of tomato juice
- 350-400 ml of sauerkraut juice
- 1 bunch of dried lovage
- Fresh lovage (for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Polenta (optional, for serving)
- Hot pepper (optional, for serving)

Preparing the ingredients

Start by cleaning all the vegetables. The carrot, parsnip, onion, and celery should be well washed and finely chopped. This step is essential to allow the flavors to combine perfectly during cooking. Make sure to choose fresh, seasonal vegetables for a unique taste.

Sea bass is a nutrient-rich fish, high in protein and omega-3, with a delicate flavor and firm texture. If you don’t have sea bass, you can try other types of white fish, but sea bass will provide the best experience.

Step 1: Boiling the vegetables

In a 4-liter pot, add about 2 liters of water and put it on the heat. When the water starts to boil, add the chopped vegetables. Let them boil for 10-15 minutes until they become slightly soft. They will form the flavorful base of your soup.

Step 2: Adding the tomato juice

After the vegetables are half cooked, add the 3 tablespoons of tomato juice. This will give the soup a hint of acidity and a beautiful color. Stir well and let it boil together with the vegetables for another 5 minutes.

Step 3: Sauerkraut juice

Now it's time to add the sauerkraut juice. This will give the soup a distinct and aromatic flavor, and the acidity will perfectly complement the flavors of the vegetables. Let it boil for 10 minutes until the foam evaporates from the surface.

Step 4: Adding the fish

Once the sauerkraut juice is well integrated, it's time to add the cleaned and washed sea bass. It will cook quickly, so don’t leave it on the heat for too long. Boil it for 10-15 minutes until the flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Flavoring the soup

After the fish is cooked, turn off the heat and add the dried lovage. This will add an intense aroma and an unmistakable taste. When serving, don’t forget to sprinkle fresh lovage for an extra touch of freshness.

Serving suggestions

The sea bass soup can be served hot, alongside a portion of steaming polenta, which will perfectly complement the soup's flavor. If you like a bit of spice, feel free to add fresh hot pepper for a delicious contrast.

Nutritional benefits

This soup is not only delicious but also healthy. Fish is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the heart, and vitamins such as D and B12. The vegetables add fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Possible variations

If you want to bring a touch of originality to your soup, you can experiment with different types of fish or add other vegetables like zucchini or potatoes. You can also use some spices like paprika or turmeric to intensify the flavors.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, you can use frozen fish, but it is recommended to thaw it before adding it to the soup to ensure even cooking.

2. What can I use instead of sauerkraut juice?
If you don’t have sauerkraut juice, you can use lemon juice or a bit of vinegar to add acidity, but the final taste will be different.

3. How can I store the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it over low heat, adding a little water to restore its consistency.

Sea bass soup is a simple recipe but full of flavors and history. I encourage you to try it and share this delicacy with your loved ones. Cooking is an art, and each recipe is a story waiting to be told. Enjoy!