Budget Bouillabaisse
A hearty and flavorful seafood stew with tomatoes, herbs, and whitefish, perfect for a comforting meal that highlights bold flavors on a budget.
Ingredients
- 28 oz. can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chicken bouillon or 2 cubes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. parsley flakes
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- dash of ground red or cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cold water ⓘ
- 1 lb. frozen cod or other whitefish, partially thawed and cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine canned tomatoes (with liquid), water, chopped onion, chopped celery, sliced garlic, chicken bouillon, parsley flakes, salt, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf in a large pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider substituting the chicken bouillon with homemade seafood stock if available. You can also swap cod for other whitefish like haddock or tilapia. If you prefer a heartier soup, add diced potatoes or carrots when simmering. Adjust spices to taste, and for a bit of heat, increase the cayenne pepper. This dish is versatile and can incorporate other Mediterranean recipes as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bouillabaisse hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or alongside a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of Orzo And Vegetables, which complements the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the bouillabaisse to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain the desired consistency. Avoid boiling to keep the fish tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Budget Bouillabaisse contains roughly 460 calories, with 13g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (206% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (141% of the Daily Value), and calcium (101% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fish instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh fish can be used in place of frozen. Just ensure that it is cut into 1-inch pieces and added towards the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking. Fresh seafood will enhance the flavor and texture of your bouillabaisse.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat in your bouillabaisse, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also incorporate a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your palate for the perfect balance.
What can I serve with bouillabaisse?
Bouillabaisse pairs well with crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A light salad or steamed vegetables can also complement the dish. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Chicken And Chickpeas, which adds a different texture and flavor profile to the meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).