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Sicilian Fish Stew

Sicilian Fish Stew

Transport the flavors of Sicily to your table with this hearty and healthy Sicilian Fish Stew recipe. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups fish stock
  • 1/4 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 2-inch pieces
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (for herb oil)
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped basil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Crusty bread for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Small saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Heatproof bowl
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chopped onions and celery, and sauté until softened, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the tomato paste, stirring well.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, fish stock, olives, capers, bay leaf, and thyme.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
  7. In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil with crushed garlic over low heat until garlic turns golden and soft.
  8. Pour the fragrant oil over chopped parsley and basil in a heatproof bowl and let cool.
  9. Stir in the cooked orzo and fish pieces, then increase the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes until the fish is opaque.
  10. Ladle the stew into bowls, drizzle with herb oil, sprinkle Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 36gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 780mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For the freshest flavor, use high-quality fish. Don't skip the herb oil; it elevates the dish significantly. Adjust seasoning to taste as you cook. If you'd like a vegetarian option, replace fish with mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently. To ensure the best results, avoid overcooking the fish and using old ingredients.
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