RECIPE FOR THE PERFECT FISH SOUP

Fish soup is an essential dish on any fasting table, and preparing it is considered a true culinary art by many. Here’s a foolproof recipe to help you achieve perfection.

PHOTO: Riblja čorba

While most people prepare fish soup using only carp heads, keep in mind that the flavor is richer and more delightful when you include meat from this and other fish species. The secret to an excellent fish soup lies in combining at least three different types of river fish.

INGREDIENTS:

6 onions

200 ml of oil

2 carrots

1 kg of river fish

1 1/2 lemons

1 tablespoon of dried seasoning

6 garlic cloves

4 bay leaves

20 black peppercorns

1 bunch of celery leaves

1 bunch of parsley

1 bell pepper

1 tablespoon of ground red paprika

200 ml of cooked tomato puree

200 ml of white wine

PREPARATION:

Prepare the Base:

Heat the oil in a large pot and sauté finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery leaves. Blend the mixture into a paste using a blender.

Prepare the Fish:

Drizzle the fish with juice from half a lemon, season with dried seasoning, and rub with three finely chopped garlic cloves. Let it marinate for an hour before cooking. For the best flavor, use carp heads and meat, but mix in other types like silver carp or pike-perch for a superior soup.

Combine Ingredients:

Pour the blended vegetable paste into a deep pot and fill it with water until it’s two-thirds full. Add bay leaves, black peppercorns, celery leaves, parsley, lemon pieces, the remaining three minced garlic cloves, chopped bell pepper, and ground red paprika.

Cook the Fish:

Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the fish cut into moderately sized pieces. Let it cook for an hour.

Finish the Soup:

Add the cooked tomato puree and white wine. Bring the soup back to a boil, then taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more black pepper for heat or extra wine for a tangier flavor. If needed, season with additional salt.

Serve:

Let the soup simmer gently for another 15 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Enjoy your perfect fish soup!