Scandinavian Fish Stew
A hearty Scandinavian-inspired fish stew featuring tender haddock, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes, simmered with herbs and white wine for a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dried salt cod (may eliminate this) ⓘ
- 1 lb. haddock, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 lb. potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, cut into 2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 tomatoes, cut into eighths ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup white wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the salt cod and place it in a bowl.
- Cover the salt cod with water and refrigerate for 24 hours to desalinate.
- Remove the salt cod from the water and pat dry.
- Cut the salt cod into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
- Place the haddock, salt cod, potatoes, green peppers, tomatoes, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and pepper into a slow cooker.
- Pour in the white wine.
- Cook on the simmer setting for 6 hours.
- Serve hot with biscuits or crusty bread, and baked apples for dessert.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider omitting the salt cod or replacing it with additional haddock. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes. Ensure the vegetables are cut uniformly to ensure even cooking. You can also experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor, which pairs beautifully with shrimp recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot with crusty bread or biscuits for dipping. A side salad, such as Bayou Salad, adds a refreshing contrast. For dessert, baked apples complement the savory stew perfectly. This dish is great for gatherings and can also be paired with white wine to enhance the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fish stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the fish and alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scandinavian Fish Stew contains roughly 265 calories, with 23g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (247% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2163mg per serving (94% 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 dried salt cod?
Yes, you can substitute the dried salt cod with an additional pound of fresh fish like haddock. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh fish cooks faster than dried. This will yield a lighter flavor without compromising the dish’s essence.
Is it possible to make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stew a day in advance. Just follow the recipe through the cooking process, then let it cool before refrigerating. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Reheat gently before serving.
What can I serve with Scandinavian fish stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or biscuits. For a balanced meal, consider serving it with a fresh salad, like Bayou Salad, and a light dessert such as baked apples, which will enhance the meal's comforting flavors.
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).