Perkelt od soma (Serbian Fish Stew)

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) soma fish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) soma fish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 500ml (2 cups) fish or vegetable broth 500ml (2 cups) fish or vegetable broth
• 200ml (3/4 cup) sour cream 200ml (3/4 cup) sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugar: 4g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• 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 they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Stir in the tomato paste, sweet paprika, and smoked paprika. Cook for a minute to release the flavors.
3. 3.
   Add the fish fillets to the pot and gently stir to coat them with the spice mixture.
4. 4.
   Pour in the fish or vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and tender.
6. 6.
   Stir in the sour cream, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
8. 8.
   Serve the Perkelt od soma hot with crusty bread or boiled potatoes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Soma fish — Make sure to choose fresh fish fillets and remove any bones before cooking.
• Tomato paste — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of tomato paste used.
• Paprika — Adjust the amount of paprika according to your taste preference. Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor, but you can use only sweet paprika if desired.
• Sour cream — For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, you can marinate the fish fillets in lemon juice and a pinch of salt for 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water and add it to the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for added texture and flavor.
• If you can't find soma fish, you can substitute it with other firm white fish such as cod or haddock.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Perkelt od soma in deep bowls, allowing the flavorful broth to surround the fish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve with crusty bread or boiled potatoes on the side to soak up the delicious broth.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, place a piece of fish in the center of each bowl and ladle the broth around it. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a vibrant touch. Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread or boiled potatoes on a separate plate.