Fish soup - Portuguese fish soup

Fish Soup - A Portuguese Delight with a Taste of the Sea

Fish soup, known as 'sopa de peixe', is a traditional Portuguese recipe that brings the flavors of the sea and nature to your table, making it a perfect choice for a comforting dinner. This soup is easy to prepare, and the fresh ingredients turn it into an unforgettable culinary experience. Even if you can't make it to the Atlantic Ocean this year, you can bring its taste home with this delicious recipe.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients needed (for 4 servings):

- 1 kg fish heads and tails (preferably from sea fish)
- 200 g peeled shrimp (preferably fresh)
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red chili pepper, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 glass of red wine (preferably dry)
- 1 glass of crushed tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley leaves (instead of fresh coriander, if preferred)

Preparing fish soup has been a tradition passed down through generations, appreciated not only for its taste but also for the nutrients it provides. Fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health.

Step by Step to Achieve a Perfect Soup:

1. Preparing the Fish Base:
Start by washing the fish heads and tails well under cold water. These will form the base of your soup. Bring water to a boil in a large pot, add a bay leaf and salt. Boil the fish heads and tails for 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it will extract all the delicious flavors from the fish.

2. Straining the Broth:
After boiling, strain the fish broth into another container, ensuring you remove all impurities. This broth will be the base of your soup. It is recommended to blend this broth if you prefer a smoother texture, but it is not mandatory; boiling will homogenize the fish sufficiently.

3. Preparing the Vegetables:
Clean and wash the vegetables. Slice the carrots and finely chop the onion and garlic. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step will bring a fantastic aroma to the soup.

4. Adding the Flavors:
Add the sliced carrots, a teaspoon of salt, and sweet paprika. Mix well and pour in the hot fish broth and red wine. Let everything simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

5. Cooking the Potatoes:
Add the diced potatoes to the soup. Let them boil for 10-15 minutes until they soften but do not break apart.

6. Including the Shrimp:
When the potatoes are almost done, add the peeled shrimp. Season with pepper to taste and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing the shrimp to absorb the flavors of the soup.

7. Finalizing the Soup:
Add the crushed tomatoes and the slices of chili pepper. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary. Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to integrate all the flavors.

8. Serving:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley leaves. If you prefer, you can add a slice of lemon for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical Tips:
- Choosing the Fish: Use fresh sea fish for an authentic taste. White fish like cod or hake is an excellent choice.
- The Wine: A dry red wine will add depth to the soup's flavor. If you prefer, you can use white wine, but the taste will be different.
- Variations: You can also add other seafood, such as squid or mussels, to diversify the recipe.
- Thickening the Soup: If you want a thicker soup, you can add a potato puree or a handful of rice during cooking.
- What to Serve with the Soup: A slice of toasted bread or a fresh green salad are excellent accompaniments to this comforting soup.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, but make sure it is high quality and thawed before using it.

- How long does the soup last?
It can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for later use.

- Is this soup healthy?
Absolutely! It is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

Whether you enjoy this soup on cool winter days or serve it as a main course on a special evening, 'sopa de peixe' will surely bring a touch of magic to your table. Let's not forget that cooking is an art, and every recipe is a story to tell. Enjoy your meal!