Fish stew

Fish stew is a coastal recipe found in many culinary traditions, from Italian cioppino to French bouillabaisse. It typically combines firm white fish with shellfish, tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, and wine or stock. The ingredients reflect maritime regions where fishermen used the day’s catch with preserved or local produce.

The technique involves building a base of aromatics, deglazing with wine or broth, then simmering fish and shellfish briefly to retain texture. Herbs such as parsley, fennel, or thyme deepen flavor. This method emphasizes layering while preserving the delicacy of seafood, showcasing centuries of seafaring and regional cooking practices.

StewSeafoodFishMediterranean

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 45 min

Total Time: 55 min

Yield: 4 servings

A bowl of cod fish stew with onions, fennel, tomatoes, and black olives.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. cod or other white fish
  • 2-3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
  • ½ white onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 2 tsp. dried thyme
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup kalamata olives
  • ½ lemon, zest and juice
  • 1-2 cups chicken stock, unsalted
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. 1.
    Pat the piece of fish dry with paper towels and salt and pepper each side .
  2. 2.
    Heat olive oil in the saucier over medium heat.
  3. 3.
    Sauté sliced onions and fennel until they soften, about 5-10 minutes.
  4. 4.
    Add chopped garlic and sauté until aromatic, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. 5.
    Add tomato paste and thyme, stirring until the paste is well blended and begins to darken.
  6. 6.
    Add lemon zest, tomatoes, and olives. Cook until tomatoes begin to soften.
  7. 7.
    Add fresh parsley and combine.
  8. 8.
    Add white wine and simmer until volume is reduced by half.
  9. 9.
    Add the fish to the pan and add stock until the fish is mostly covered.
  10. 10.
    Add the bay leaf to the pan.
  11. 11.
    Bring the broth to a boil and reduce it to a simmer for 10 minutes.
  12. 12.
    Turn the fish and simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until the fish is tender and flaky.
  13. 13.
    Break up the fish and stir well.
  14. 14.
    Serve with crunchy bread or crostini.