Welcome to the vibrant and diverse culinary world of Aruba, where the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea not only captivate the senses but also inspire a rich and flavorful gastronomic heritage. Among the many treasures that Aruba has to offer, one dish stands out as a true embodiment of the island's maritime bounty – the renowned "Sòpi di Piska," or Aruban Fish Soup.

In this culinary exploration, we embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of ARUBA Sòpi di Piska, a dish that encapsulates the essence of Aruba's cultural tapestry and coastal abundance. From the bustling fish markets to the kitchens where local chefs work their magic, we delve into the ingredients, techniques, and traditions that make this seafood soup a beloved staple in Aruban households and a symbol of the island's culinary prowess.

Join us as we navigate the aromatic spices, the fresh catch of the day, and the cultural influences that come together to create the harmonious symphony of flavors in ARUBA Sòpi di Piska. Whether you're a seasoned chef, an avid food enthusiast, or someone simply curious about the intersection of culture and cuisine, this exploration promises to awaken your taste buds and transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Aruba, where every bowl of Sòpi di Piska tells a tale of tradition, community, and the love for the sea.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mixed fish fillets (such as grouper, snapper, or any white fish), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 1/2 lb clams, scrubbed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup okra, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup pumpkin, diced
• 1 plantain, sliced
• 1 cup yam or sweet potato, diced
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving
• Cooked rice or bread for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Seafood: Rinse the fish, shrimp, mussels, and clams thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.

Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes fragrant.

Incorporate Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add Vegetables: Add the carrots, pumpkin, plantain, yam or sweet potato, and okra (if using). Stir well to combine.

Add Seafood: Carefully add the fish, shrimp, mussels, and clams to the pot. Allow them to cook for a few minutes until the seafood starts to turn opaque.

Simmer: Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, add the scotch bonnet pepper (whole), and bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add the lime juice for a burst of citrus freshness.

Serve: Ladle the ARUBA Sòpi di Piska into bowls, making sure to include a variety of seafood and vegetables in each serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Accompaniments: Serve the soup with lime wedges on the side and your choice of cooked rice or bread.

Enjoy your journey into the delightful flavors of ARUBA Sòpi di Piska!

Nutritional Values

While I can provide approximate nutritional values for some of the ingredients, it's important to note that the actual nutritional content can vary based on factors such as specific brands, preparation methods, and ingredient sizes. The values below are general estimates:

Per 100g Serving (where applicable):

Mixed Fish Fillets:

• Calories: 85
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in high-quality protein.
• Good source of omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and selenium.

Shrimp:

• Calories: 85
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Low in calories and rich in protein.
• Contains antioxidants like astaxanthin.
• Good source of selenium, copper, and zinc.

Mussels:

• Calories: 73
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:

• Excellent source of lean protein.
• High in vitamin B12, essential for nerve function.
• Rich in iron and other minerals.

Clams:

• Calories: 24
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Low in calories and high in protein.
• Good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids.

Onion:

• Calories: 40
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants with potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Rich in vitamins C and B, promoting immune health.
• May help regulate blood sugar levels.

Tomatoes:

• Calories: 18
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:

• High in vitamins A and C, supporting skin health.
• Rich in lycopene, known for its antioxidant properties.
• Contains potassium for heart health.

Bell Pepper:

• Calories: 31
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, supporting immune function.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Good source of vitamins A and B6.

Celery:

• Calories: 16
• Protein: 0.7g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 3g

benefits:

• Low in calories and high in fiber.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• May contribute to improved digestion.

Carrots:

• Calories: 41
• Protein: 0.9g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

benefits:

• Rich in beta-carotene, promoting eye health.
• High in vitamins A and K.
• Contains antioxidants with potential cancer-fighting properties.

Garlic:

• Calories: 149
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 33g

benefits:

• Contains allicin with antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• May help lower cholesterol levels.
• Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Okra:

• Calories: 33
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

benefits:

• High in fiber, aiding digestion.
• Contains vitamins C and K.
• Rich in antioxidants.

Pumpkin:

• Calories: 26
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

benefits:

• High in fiber and low in calories.
• Rich in vitamins A and C.
• Contains potassium for heart health.

Plantain:

• Calories: 122
• Protein: 1.3g
• Fat: 0.4g
• Carbohydrates: 32g

benefits:

• Good source of complex carbohydrates.
• Contains dietary fiber and potassium.
• Provides vitamins A and C.

Yam or Sweet Potato:

• Calories: 118
• Protein: 1.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 28g

benefits:

• High in fiber and rich in complex carbohydrates.
• Excellent source of vitamins A and C.
• Provides potassium and manganese.

Coconut Milk (1 cup):

• Calories: 552
• Protein: 5.5g
• Fat: 57g
• Carbohydrates: 13g

benefits:

• Adds creaminess and flavor.
• Contains healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides.
• Provides essential minerals like manganese and copper.

Lime Juice:

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function.
• Contains antioxidants.
• Adds a refreshing citrus flavor.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Adds healthy fats to the dish.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant.
• May have anti-inflammatory effects.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 1.4g

benefits:

• Adds a warm and earthy flavor.
• Contains antioxidants.
• May have anti-inflammatory propertie

Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g

benefits:

• Adds aromatic flavor.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• May have antimicrobial properties.

Cilantro or Parsley:

• Calories: 23
• Protein: 2.1g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 3.7g

benefits:

• Adds freshness and flavor.
• Contains vitamins A and K.
• May have detoxifying properties.

These values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. Adjustments should be made based on the actual products used.