Learn how to make a comforting homemade Fish Bread Soup, made with fresh fish, olive oil, garlic, coriander, and stale bread. This hearty and flavorful dish combines simple ingredients to create a rich soup with a deep Mediterranean character, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
This Fish Bread Soup is a traditional and comforting dish, made with simple ingredients you can easily find in your pantry. Rich in flavor and deeply satisfying, it transforms everyday basic ingredients into a hearty and comforting meal.
The broth is seasoned with olive oil, garlic, coriander, and tender fish, then served over slices of stale bread cut into pieces that absorb all the delicious flavors. Perfect for colder days or as a complete family meal, this classic Portuguese soup is rustic, full of character, and truly comforting.
Comforting dishes perfect for any occasion, especially on cold, rainy winter days when we crave a warm and hearty meal. From traditional Portuguese Bean Stew with Poached Eggs (Feijoada) and rustic Jardineira (Portuguese Beef Stew), to creamy Baked Mashed Potatoes with Tuna, these satisfying recipes bring warmth, flavor, and comfort to the table.
Ingredients for Fish Bread Soup
Here you'll find all the ingredients needed to make this recipe:
- Water - Forms the base of the soup and transforms into a light and flavorful broth after the fish and aromatic seasonings are cooked.
- Fish - The main ingredient, providing a rich and flavorful depth.
- Onion - It's the base of the broth's flavor.
- Olive oil - Adds richness and smoothness to the soup, enhancing both texture and overall flavor.
- Garlic - Enhances the flavor of the broth.
- Salt - Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- Pepper - Adds a subtle touch of spice to the soup.
- Coriander - Provides a fresh and pleasant aroma that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Stale bread - Absorbs the broth, thickening the soup and giving it its traditional rustic texture.
Below you’ll find the correct measurement of all ingredients and the step-by-step guide for this recipe.
How to Make Fish Bread Soup
Step 1: Place the fish in a large saucepan and cover with at least two liters of water. Season with salt, a drizzle of olive oil, a peeled onion, and a sprig of coriander. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to low heat heat and cook the fish for about 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 2: Remove the fish using a skimmer and reserve the cooking water. Remove the skin and bones. Cut the fish into pieces and set aside for later use.
Step 3: In a large bowl, add the olive oil, chopped garlic, chopped coriander, and the cooking water. Add the fish, cut into pieces, season with pepper, and stir gently.
Step 4: Place the bread pieces at the bottom of each soup bowl.
Step 5: Pour the hot broth and the fish pieces over the bread and serve immediately.
Tips for Homemade Fish Bread Soup
• Use fresh white fish for the best flavor. Fresh fish contributes to a cleaner broth and a better overall taste.
• Don’t overcook the fish. Cook over low heat for 10 to 12 minutes. Overcooking will make the fish dry.
• Create a flavorful base using the cooking water. The fish cooking water is essential, it's the base of the soup.
• Use good quality stale bread. Stale bread is ideal because it absorbs the broth without falling apart quickly, giving the soup its traditional texture.
• Garlic and coriander are essential aromatic ingredients in Portuguese fish soups. Add them at the right time to preserve their fresh and vibrant flavor.
FAQs
What type of fish is best for Fish Bread Soup?
White fish such as cod, hake, or sea bass works best due to its mild flavor and delicate texture.
Can I use stale rustic bread?
Yes, stale rustic bread works well because it absorbs the broth without becoming too soggy.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat over low heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
You May Also Like
- Portuguese seafood bread soup (Açorda de marisco)
- Fish and peas rice
- Traditional Portuguese dogfish soup
- Portuguese bread soup
- Portuguese fish stew (Caldeira de de peixe)
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Homemade Fish Bread Soup
Learn how to make a comforting homemade Fish Bread Soup, made with fresh fish, olive oil, garlic, coriander, and stale bread. This hearty and flavorful dish combines simple ingredients to create a rich soup with a deep Mediterranean character, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
5.00 from 2 reviews
- 2 liters (8 cups) water
- 900 grams (2 pounds) fish (any type of white fish)
- 1 medium onion to cook the fish
- 100 ml (1/2 cup) olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Coriander (to taste)
- 400 grams (14 ounces) preferably stale bread cut into pieces
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Place the fish in a large saucepan and cover with at least two liters of water. Season with salt, a drizzle of olive oil, a peeled onion, and a sprig of coriander. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to low heat heat and cook the fish for about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove the fish using a skimmer and reserve the cooking water. Remove the skin and bones. Cut the fish into pieces and set aside for later use.
- In a large bowl, add the olive oil, chopped garlic, chopped coriander, and the cooking water. Add the fish, cut into pieces, season with pepper, and stir gently.
- Place the bread pieces at the bottom of each soup bowl.
- Pour the hot broth and the fish pieces over the bread and serve immediately.
