Hearty Fish Soup
A hearty fish soup packed with tender cod, fresh vegetables, and savory clam juice, perfect for comforting meals and seafood lovers seeking rich, flavorful broth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- About 30 minutes before serving, slice carrots, onion, and celery.
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven or saucepot over medium-high heat, in hot salad oil, cook vegetables until lightly browned.
- Add potatoes, clam juice, clams with their liquid, bouillon, and 2 cups water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 7 to 10 minutes until potatoes are almost tender.
- Cut cod into 2-inch chunks.
- Peel, seed, and cut tomato into 1 1/2-inch chunks.
- Stir cod and tomato into the soup and heat to boiling over high heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer until fish flakes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the soup's flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley. For a heartier version, you can substitute the cod with other firm white fish or even shrimp. If clams aren't available, use a seafood stock instead of clam juice. Make sure to chop the vegetables uniformly for even cooking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hearty fish soup with crusty bread for dipping or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a burst of flavor and color. This dish pairs beautifully with Tuna Noodle Supper for a seafood-themed dinner. For a lighter touch, consider serving it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much. Avoid boiling to keep the fish tender. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Fish Soup contains roughly 584 calories, with 10g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (186% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 940mg per serving (41% 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 frozen fish instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets in this recipe. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cutting them into chunks. Cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the fish to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for clam juice?
If you don't have clam juice, you can use vegetable or seafood broth as a substitute. This will still provide a rich flavor to the soup. Alternatively, a mixture of water and a splash of soy sauce can mimic some of the umami flavors.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat to your hearty fish soup, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the cooking process. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side, allowing each diner to adjust the spice level to their preference.
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).