Description
Zesty Mexican zarzuela spotlights spicy lemon fish soup with fresh Pacific coast seafood. Complex flavors blend citrus, chili, and tender white fish in a memorable coastal broth that rewards adventurous cooks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 g) firm white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or snapper), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) fish or vegetable stock
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup diced potatoes or sweet potatoes
- ½ cup chopped carrots
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Sauté onions, garlic, ginger, and chili until fragrant and translucent, releasing their complex flavor profile for 2-3 minutes.
- Spice Awakening: Sprinkle paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper into the pot. Toast spices briefly, allowing their essential oils to bloom and intensify for about 1 minute.
- Liquid Construction: Pour stock into the pot, bringing to a vigorous boil. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, and crushed tomatoes. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables become tender and flavors meld cohesively.
- Fish Integration: Gently introduce fish pieces into the simmering liquid. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fish flakes easily, ensuring delicate texture and complete cooking.
- Final Refinement: Splash fresh lemon juice over the soup and sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to balance the robust flavor spectrum.
- Serving Presentation: Ladle soup into bowls, garnishing with additional herbs. Serve alongside crusty bread or steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Fish: Select firm white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass that maintains structure during cooking and absorbs flavors effectively.
- Control Spice Intensity: Adjust chili and cayenne quantities based on personal heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder versions or adding extra for bolder profiles.
- Prevent Fish Overcooking: Monitor fish closely during the 5-7 minute cooking window, ensuring it remains tender and flakes easily without becoming tough or rubbery.
- Boost Nutritional Value: Consider adding additional vegetables like spinach or kale during the last simmering minutes to increase nutrient density and create a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg