✓ Pesach-friendly. Look for a Pesach hechsher on: wine, stock, paprika. Pesach recipes and menu planner
Mediterranean fish stew is simple and full of flavor: chunks of firm white fish poached gently in a tomato broth with garlic, onion, white wine, oregano, smoked paprika and fresh herbs, finished with lemon.
Building the Broth
Good olive oil and good canned tomatoes make the difference. Soften the onion, add the garlic and spices, then the tomatoes, wine and stock, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes so the flavors deepen. The fish goes in at the very end and poaches gently for just a few minutes. Overcooked fish turns dry and falls apart.
Kosher Notes
This stew is pareve. Halibut and cod are kosher; if using sea bass, choose black sea bass or branzino rather than Chilean sea bass, whose status is disputed. Many Mediterranean stews include shellfish, which isn’t kosher; this one uses fish only. Use a kosher wine or leave it out.
Make-Ahead
Make the broth a day ahead and add the fish when reheating. Serve with crusty bread, rice or couscous.

Ingredients
What I use for this recipe
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Method
- Pat fish pieces dry and season with salt and pepper. Set aside at room temperature while preparing the stew base.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in white wine (if using) and let it bubble for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Add crushed tomatoes, fish stock, bay leaves, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. The base should be well-seasoned since the fish will dilute it slightly.
- Gently nestle the fish pieces into the simmering stew, making sure they're mostly submerged. Cover and cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness, until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from heat and discard bay leaves. Gently stir in fresh parsley, dill, and lemon juice, being careful not to break up the fish.
- Let stand for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle. Taste once more and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Notes
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