Russian Fish Soup - Ukha

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) freshwater fish fillets (such as pike, perch, or carp) 1 kg (2.2 lbs) freshwater fish fillets (such as pike, perch, or carp)
• 2 liters (8 cups) water 2 liters (8 cups) water
• 1 onion, sliced 1 onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 leek, sliced 1 leek, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. 2.
   Add the fish fillets and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the fish and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, leek, tomatoes, garlic, dill, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
4. 4.
   Simmer the soup for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, remove the skin and bones from the fish fillets and flake the flesh into bite-sized pieces.
6. 6.
   Add the fish back into the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
7. 7.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish — Ensure that the fish fillets are fresh and free from any unpleasant odor. If freshwater fish is not available, you can use other white fish varieties as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the soup.
• For a heartier version, you can add seafood such as shrimp or mussels along with the fish.
• Ukha tastes even better the next day, so consider making a larger batch and enjoying it as leftovers.

Serving advice

Serve the Ukha hot in individual bowls, garnished with fresh dill. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of Ukha, you can serve it in a rustic-style soup tureen or individual ceramic bowls. Sprinkle some additional chopped dill on top for a pop of color.