Description
Venezuelan Sopa de Pescado is a hearty and comforting fish soup made with fresh vegetables, tender white fish, and traditional Latin spices. It’s a nourishing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner, especially during Lent or cooler months.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or similar), cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 6 cups fish stock or water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomato and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots, then pour in the fish stock or water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Gently add the fish chunks to the pot and simmer for another 8–10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flaky.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
- Serve hot with lime wedges on the side, if desired.
Notes
- Use firm white fish that won’t fall apart easily during cooking.
- Add yuca or sweet potato for a heartier version.
- This soup pairs well with white rice or arepas.
- For extra flavor, simmer the fish bones and heads to make a homemade stock.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Venezuelan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
