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Mediterranean Lemon Fish Soup

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time25 minsTotal Time45 mins

This Mediterranean Lemon Fish Soup is a light, fragrant, and healthy dish featuring flaky white fish, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs. The broth is delicate yet full of flavor, making it a refreshing and nutritious meal. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Mediterranean Lemon Fish Soup

For the Soup Base
 2 tbsp olive oil
 1 small onion, finely chopped
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 carrot, diced
 1 celery stalk, diced
 ½ tsp salt
 ½ tsp black pepper
 ½ tsp ground cumin
 ½ tsp dried oregano
 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
 4 cups fish or vegetable broth
 1 cup water
 Juice of 2 lemons
 Zest of 1 lemon
 1 bay leaf
For the Fish and Herbs
 ½ kg white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or sea bass), cut into chunks
 1 tsp salt (for seasoning the fish)
 ½ tsp black pepper
 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
 1 tsp capers (optional, for extra Mediterranean flavor)
For Serving
 Crusty bread, toasted
 Extra lemon wedges
 Drizzle of olive oil (optional)
Sauté the Aromatics
1

  • Heat the Olive Oil:
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Cook the Vegetables:
    • Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
    • Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  • Add the Spices:
    • Stir in salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika.
    • Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
Simmer the Broth
2

  • Add Liquids and Bay Leaf:
    • Pour in fish or vegetable broth, water, lemon juice, and zest.
    • Add bay leaf.
  • Bring to a Simmer:
    • Let the soup cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes to develop flavor.
Cook the Fish
3

  • Season the Fish:
    • Sprinkle fish fillets with salt and black pepper.
  • Gently Poach the Fish:
    • Add the fish to the broth and simmer for 5-7 minutes until opaque and flaky.
  • Add Tomatoes and Herbs:
    • Stir in cherry tomatoes, fresh dill, parsley, and capers.
    • Simmer for 2 more minutes.
Serve and Garnish
4

  • Ladle the Soup into Bowls:
    • Divide the fish and broth evenly.
  • Garnish:
    • Sprinkle with extra dill and parsley.
  • Serve with Crusty Bread:
    • Toast slices of bread and serve on the side.
  • Drizzle with Olive Oil:
    • Add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness.
  • Pair with a Lemon Wedge:
    • Serve with extra lemon wedges for a citrus boost.
Pro Tips
5

  • For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine before simmering the broth.
  • Make it Heartier: Add cooked rice or orzo pasta.
  • For a Creamier Version: Stir in a beaten egg while whisking the broth (like Greek Avgolemono soup).

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size