Fish soup

Fish soup - a savory and comforting recipe

Fish soup is a traditional dish that brings together unmistakable flavors and aromas from nature. This recipe is perfect for fish lovers, being a delicious combination of fresh ingredients that will fill your home with an inviting fragrance. So, let's get to work!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
- 1.5 kg fish (can be carp, catfish, or other freshwater fish)
- 3-4 medium carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 2 large onions
- 2 bell peppers (preferably one red and one green for a colorful appearance)
- 3-4 ripe tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for depth of flavor)
- 1 liter of borscht (or more, to taste)
- A coffee cup of rice (preferably long-grain rice)
- A bunch of fresh lovage
- Salt, to taste

Preparation
1. Preparing the fish: Start by cleaning and washing the fish well. If you choose to use carp head, make sure to remove the bitter bone, as it can negatively affect the soup's taste. Cut the fish into suitable pieces so they cook evenly.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Wash the vegetables well. Peel and dice the carrots and parsnip into small cubes, and chop the onion finely. The bell peppers can be cut into strips or cubes, depending on your preference.

3. Boiling the vegetables: In a large pot, add water and the chopped vegetables. Season with a little salt and bring to a boil. Let them boil for 10-15 minutes until they become slightly soft.

4. Adding the tomatoes: Grate the tomatoes and add them to the pot along with the tomato paste. This step will enhance the soup's flavor.

5. Adding the borscht: After the tomatoes have integrated, pour the borscht into the pot. Let it boil for a few minutes to reveal its flavors. Adjust the amount of borscht according to how sour you like your soup.

6. Including the fish: Now, carefully add the pieces of fish to the soup. Season with salt to taste and let everything simmer over medium heat for 20-30 minutes. Ensure the fish is well cooked but not overcooked, to avoid it breaking apart.

7. Cooking the rice: In another pot, boil the rice in salted water according to the package instructions. The rice will add a pleasant consistency to the soup.

8. Finalizing the soup: When the fish is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and add the cooked rice. Gently stir and season with chopped fresh lovage. This will add a fresh note and perfectly complement the flavors.

9. Serving: The fish soup is served hot, with a slice of lemon on the side for a delicious contrast and with a bit of chili pepper, if you like. It is perfect alongside a slice of homemade bread, fresh out of the oven.

Useful tips
- Choosing the fish: Opt for fresh fish, preferably from local sources. Frozen fish may have a different texture but can be used with confidence.
- The borscht: If you want to experiment, you can use homemade borscht, which gives a more authentic taste. You can replace it with lemon juice or vinegar, but the result will be different.
- The vegetables: You can add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to vary the recipe.
- Variations: You can turn this soup into a spicier dish by adding fresh chili peppers or chili flakes.

Calories and nutritional benefits
Fish soup is not only delicious but also healthy. It is rich in quality proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins. A serving of soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the type of fish used and the amount of rice.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use frozen fish? Yes, but make sure it is well thawed before cooking.
- How long does the soup keep? It is recommended to consume it fresh, but it can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Can it be frozen? Fish soup can be frozen, but the texture of the fish may suffer upon thawing.

This fish soup is more than just a dish; it is a culinary experience that connects you to traditions and beautiful moments spent with loved ones. So, prepare your ingredients and enjoy every step of this process! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1.5 kg fish - 3-4 carrots - 1 parsnip - 2 onions - 2 bell peppers - 3-4 tomatoes - 1 tablespoon broth - 1 liter borscht - a cup of coffee with rice - a bunch of lovage - salt