Lipovan fish soup

Lipovan fish soup: a taste journey

Lipovan fish soup is a traditional recipe that invites you to discover the rich flavors of fish dishes, combined with fresh vegetables in an innovative way. This soup is not just a simple dish; it is a story about tradition, community, and fine tastes, bringing the natural flavor of quality ingredients to the table. The origins of this recipe are lost in time, but today I will present to you a modern version inspired by Vero's wonderful recipe, which deeply impressed me.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Your basic ingredients:

- 1 large trout (about 1 kg) fresh
- ½ medium onion
- ½ large red bell pepper
- 1 large ripe tomato, peeled and diced
- 2 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- Lovage (preferably fresh, but if unavailable, use lovage in vinegar)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chili pepper, for serving

Preparing the Lipovan fish soup:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by washing all the vegetables well. Chop the onion and bell pepper into small cubes, and cut the potatoes into larger cubes to add consistency to the soup. The fish should be cleaned and cut into large pieces. This step is crucial, as larger pieces of fish will remain juicy and flavorful during cooking.

Step 2: Boiling the vegetables

In a large pot, add the olive oil and sauté the onion and bell pepper for about 3-4 minutes, until they become translucent. Then add the potatoes and enough water to cover the vegetables (about 1 liter). Sprinkle a little salt and pepper to enhance their flavors. Let them boil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes become slightly soft.

Step 3: Adding the fish

When the vegetables are halfway cooked, add the pieces of trout and the peeled tomatoes. Let everything boil for 10 minutes, being careful not to stir the pot too much, so as not to break the fish. Finally, add the vinegar, which will give the soup a pleasant acidity and help maintain the vibrant color.

Step 4: Finishing the soup

Once the fish is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool slightly. Add the chopped fresh lovage (or lovage in vinegar if you don’t have fresh) and, if necessary, adjust the taste with salt or pepper.

Step 5: Serving

The soup is served hot, directly from the pot, in deep plates. It is delicious to pair it with chili peppers for those who love spicy food. If desired, you can remove the fish from the soup and serve it separately with garlic sauce, a traditional combination that will add extra flavor.

Tips and practical advice:

- Use fresh fish, preferably from local sources, to achieve an authentic taste. Trout is ideal, but you can also experiment with other types of white fish.
- If you prefer a heartier soup, add more vegetables, such as carrots or celery.
- The vinegar can be adjusted according to your preferences; if you like a more sour soup, add more.
- If you have time, let the soup sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving. The flavors will intensify, and the taste will be even better.

Nutritional benefits:

Lipovan fish soup is not only tasty but also extremely healthy. Fish is an excellent source of quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this dish a complete and nutritionally balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, you can use any type of white fish, such as salmon or eel, but the cooking time may vary.

2. Can the soup be frozen?
It is recommended not to freeze it, as the fish may become rubbery after thawing. Instead, you can keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans?
For a vegan version, you can replace the fish with smoked tofu or protein-rich vegetables, such as chickpeas or lentils.

4. What type of bread goes well with this soup?
Homemade, freshly baked bread or a crispy baguette are ideal to accompany the soup.

5. Is the soup spicy?
The soup is not spicy by nature, but you can add fresh or dried chili peppers according to your preferences to enhance the flavor.

This Lipovan fish soup will surely become a staple recipe in your home, providing you not only with a delicious dish but also with an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy it with your loved ones, sharing stories and unique moments around the table!