Let’s set the scene. The toddler is tired and crying. We need to put her down to sleep in 1 hour which means we have to eat in the next 30 minutes. All we have are some basic vegetables; carrots and potatoes; and a pound of halibut. This is my favorite type of problem to solve. How to make a delicious meal with what is on hand and do it fast. Mediterranean fish stew is one of those meals: quick (5 minutes of prep, 25 minutes on the stovetop), yummy (even our little one loved it) and enough leftover for lunch the next day.
I’ll be honest, even with my love of everything Mediterranean, I don’t cook fish all that often. Generally, I am more likely to get fish when I eat out than when I am at home. I do love making fish stew though. I had some amazing fish stews while sitting at small tavernas overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Crete and I enjoy the simplicity of a few vegetables, fresh herbs or spices, fish and a good broth. Plus there was the added benefit of watching the fishermen come in with their catch in the morning and eating it later in the day.
This Mediterranean fish stew is perfect using any white fish. I have tried it with both halibut and flounder. It is so simple to make that even a novice in the kitchen will find making it to be a breeze. You don’t even have to cut the fish before putting it in the broth, because it will fall apart naturally on its own.
The simplest side item to serve Mediterranean fish stew with is some bread and a Greek salad. We would often have a glass of wine and some tzatziki when we had fish stew on the island.
Mediterranean Fish Stew (30 minute recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 tbsp flour
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite sized cubes
- 1 pound white fish (cod, halibut, haddock) boneless
- 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium or regular
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a thick bottomed pot. Sauté onions and carrots until soft (about 3 minutes). Stir in flour and then add potatoes. Cook on medium heat for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add fish and smoked paprika. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally until potatoes are soft (about 15-20 minutes). Fish should flake into small pieces.
Nutrition
About the Author: Bill Bradley, R.D.
What is the herb used as garnish in the photo?
I believe it is parsley.
Instant favorite at our house, and we have a teenage boy who approved! My favorite part is how easy it is to make. Simple ingredients.
Let me start by saying I have an affinity for all things fish related.
And after Thanksgiving my wife and I were potatoed out. Switched brown rice for potatoes and violà, tasty stew!
Really quick and easy to make and very good. I shared with my sister and she loved it too. Definitely will make this again and again.
Thanks for the mediterranean fish stew recipe.
We love this simple, hearty, savory soup! So easy and so fresh, and leftovers for another meal — it ticks all the boxes. 💛
I added a little salt. Next time, and I will make again, I may add fresh rosemary.
Super good! I added 1/2 tsp of my homemade garlic paste and 1/8 tsp of cayenne pepper…. Superb!!
I love your additions. Thanks for sharing.
1/4 what chicken broth? It has to be more than 1/4 cup to make 4 bowls of soup.
Hi John,
Thank you for catching that! We just made a lot of changes to our website and that didn’t get translated correctly. It should be 4 cups.
This is amazing! I followed the recipe exactly, made a Greek salad and crusty bread to dip in the broth. You need to try this one!