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–+ servings
Sicilian Fish Stew

Sicilian Fish Stew

Discover the rich flavors of Sicilian Fish Stew, a comforting seafood dish with Mediterranean spices. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup tomato paste
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups fish stock
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 cups cooked orzo
  • 2 pounds firm white fish fillets, cut into chunks
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • ½ cup olive oil (for herb oil)
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • ½ cup parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons basil, chopped
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • for serving Crusty bread

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Small saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Bowls for prep and serving

Method
 

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and cook until they soften, about 7-8 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them sizzle for just a minute.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute until it darkens slightly.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, white wine, fish stock, olives, capers, bay leaf, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, then bring to a boil.
  5. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the chopped parsley and basil. In a separate pan, gently heat ½ cup of olive oil with the crushed garlic until fragrant.
  7. Pour the warm oil over the herbs and let it cool.
  8. Add the cooked orzo and fish chunks to the simmering stew. Increase the heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes until the fish is opaque and flaky.
  9. Ladle the stew into bowls, drizzle with the herb oil, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Choose firm white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass for the best texture. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop. For a lighter version, use whole wheat orzo, reduce the olive oil in the herb oil, or add more vegetables. Don't skip the herb oil—it's crucial for finishing the dish with a fresh burst of flavor!
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