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TRADITIONAL FISH SOUP WITH GARLIC AND WHITE WINE

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
TRADITIONAL FISH SOUP WITH GARLIC AND WHITE WINE

TRADITIONAL FISH SOUP WITH GARLIC AND WHITE WINE

Delight in a rich and flavorful Romanian fish soup, combining tender chunks of fresh fish simmered in a fragrant broth enhanced by white wine, roasted tomato, and a punchy garlic sauce. Finished with fresh herbs and a splash of lemon, this soup is a perfect light yet hearty meal for any occasion.

🕒 Prep Time: 20 min

🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour
🍰 Yields: 5 servings

Ingredients

Soup Base:

  • 300 g small fish parts (heads and tails of sea bass, shrimp shells)
  • 1 onion
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 slice celery root (about 50 g)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 sprig thyme
  • ½ tsp black peppercorns
  • 2 tbsp oil

Main Soup:

  • 350 g fish fillets (sea bass, halibut, or gilt-head bream)
  • 1 onion
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 slice celery root (about 50 g)
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 80 ml dry white wine
  • 2 large potatoes
  • 100 ml passata (or tomato purée)
  • 1 roasted tomato (fresh or canned)
  • ½ lemon (juice)
  • ¼ bunch parsley
  • 1 stalk lovage (or dill)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish Stock Base

  • In heated oil, sauté grated vegetables (onion, carrot, celery) until the onion softens.
  • Add 6 cups (about 1.5 liters) water, black peppercorns, bay leaf, thyme, and a pinch of salt.
  • Add cleaned fish parts and simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes.
  • Strain the stock, pressing solids to extract all liquid. Discard solids.

2. Cook the Vegetables for the Soup

  • In 2 tablespoons of oil, sauté chopped onion, carrot slices, and celery cubes until soft.
  • Add 3 crushed garlic cloves and sauté for 1 more minute.
  • Pour in the white wine and cook until evaporated.

3. Build the Soup

  • Add the prepared fish stock base and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add diced potatoes, passata, and chopped or crushed roasted tomato. Season with salt.
  • Cook for about 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

4. Add the Fish and Garlic Sauce

  • Lower heat and add cubed fish fillets.
  • Simmer gently for up to 5 minutes until fish is just cooked.
  • Meanwhile, crush remaining garlic cloves with coarse salt to a paste.
  • Stir in olive oil to make a garlic sauce (mujdei).
  • Add garlic sauce to the soup gradually, adjusting to taste (about 2/3 used).
  • Brighten the soup with lemon juice (about 3 tablespoons), adding more or less depending on your preference.
  • Season with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of chili for slight heat. Adjust salt as needed.

5. Final Touches

  • Remove the pot from heat and stir in finely chopped parsley and lovage (or dill).
  • Cover and let the soup rest for 10 minutes to meld flavors.

Serving Suggestion

Serve hot with toasted bread or garlic bread on the side for dipping.

💡 Tips

  • Using fish heads, tails, and shrimp shells intensifies the broth’s flavor.
  • Roasting the tomato adds a smoky depth to the soup.
  • Adjust garlic sauce and lemon juice gradually to tailor the soup’s sharpness and brightness.
  • Lovage adds a unique aromatic touch but can be substituted with dill.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Light, nutritious lunches or dinners
  • Seafood lovers seeking traditional Romanian flavors
  • Elegant starter or main course for special occasions

📝 Final Thoughts

This traditional Romanian fish soup delivers a vibrant medley of fresh fish, aromatic herbs, and bright lemon, all balanced by a rich garlic sauce. With a deep, layered broth and tender fish chunks, it’s a soulful, satisfying dish that brings the flavors of the sea to your table. Easy to prepare yet impressive, it’s perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.