South African Spiced Fish Soup

Ingredients

While the original Jamaican Fish Tea is known for its fiery heat and bold flavors, the South African Spiced Fish Soup takes a milder approach. The spices used in the South African version are influenced by the local cuisine, incorporating flavors such as coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Additionally, the South African version includes a variety of vegetables to add freshness and texture to the soup. We alse have the original recipe for Fish Tea, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets, cut into chunks 500g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 potato, diced 1 potato, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 liter (4 cups) fish or vegetable broth 1 liter (4 cups) fish or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes, carrot, potato, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Pour in the fish or vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Gently add the fish chunks to the pot and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. 6.
   Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
7. 7.
   Ladle the South African Spiced Fish Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish — Choose a firm white fish such as cod, haddock, or tilapia for the best results. Ensure the fish is fresh and free from any unpleasant odors.
• Coriander — If you prefer a stronger coriander flavor, you can use fresh coriander leaves as a garnish in addition to the dried coriander in the soup.
• Turmeric — Be cautious when handling turmeric as it can stain surfaces and clothing. Use a cutting board that is easy to clean and avoid contact with light-colored fabrics.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the soup.
• Serve the South African Spiced Fish Soup with a side of crusty bread or rice to make it a more substantial meal.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in the soup based on your preferences and seasonal availability.
• If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the fish.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the South African Spiced Fish Soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added freshness and aroma. Accompany the soup with a side of crusty bread or rice to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the South African Spiced Fish Soup, consider serving it in colorful ceramic bowls or soup tureens. Sprinkle some additional fresh cilantro on top for a pop of green color. Pair it with a slice of lemon or lime on the side for a touch of acidity.