Discover the authentic taste of Riblja Čorba, a traditional Balkan fish soup known for its spicy kick and hearty flavors. This recipe combines fresh fish, aromatic spices, and rich broth to create a comforting and satisfying dish. Perfect for seafood lovers looking to explore Balkan cuisine, Riblja Čorba offers a blend of flavors that will warm you up and tantalize your taste buds. Follow our step-by-step guide to prepare this delicious and hearty fish soup that’s ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg fish (such as carp, trout, or any firm white fish), cleaned and cut into chunks

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 carrots, sliced

- 1 bell pepper, chopped

- 2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 bay leaf

- 1 liter fish stock or water

- 1 tablespoon vinegar

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

- Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Fish: Rinse the fish chunks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and translucent.

Add Carrots and Bell Pepper: Stir in the sliced carrots and chopped bell pepper. Cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.

Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add Fish and Broth: Place the fish chunks into the pot and pour in the fish stock or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and tender.

Season the Soup: Stir in the vinegar and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the spiciness if needed.

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your homemade Riblja Čorba, a hearty and flavorful fish soup that brings a taste of the Balkans to your table!

Nutritional values

Fish (1 kg)

 - Calories: 100-200 kcal

 - Protein: 20g

 - Fats: 5g (depending on the fish)

Benefits:

 - Excellent source of high-quality protein.

 - Provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.

 - Rich in vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, vitamin D, and selenium.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: 884 kcal

 - Fats: 100g

Benefits:

 - Provides essential fats for cooking.

 - Helps in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables.

Onion (1 large)

 - Calories: 40 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 9g

 - Fiber: 1.7g

Benefits:

 - Rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds, supporting heart health.

 - Contains fiber, which aids in digestion.

Garlic (2 cloves)

 - Calories: 149 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 33g

 - Protein: 6g

Benefits:

 - Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

 - Supports heart health by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure.

Carrots (2, sliced)

 - Calories: 41 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 10g

 - Fiber: 2.8g

Benefits:

 - High in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A for eye health.

 - Rich in fiber, aiding digestion.

Bell Pepper (1, chopped)

 - Calories: 31 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

 - High in vitamin C, supporting immune function.

 - Contains antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress.

Tomatoes (2, peeled and chopped)

 - Calories: 18 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 3.9g

 - Fiber: 1.2g

Benefits:

 - Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases.

 - Provides vitamin C and potassium, supporting heart health.

Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: 82 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 19g

 - Fiber: 4g

Benefits:

 - Concentrated source of tomatoes' beneficial nutrients.

 - Adds depth of flavor and richness to the stew.

Spices and Seasonings:

Paprika (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 282 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 54g

 - Fiber: 35g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and color to the dish.

 - Contains capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties.

Cayenne Pepper (1 teaspoon, adjust to taste)

 - Calories: 318 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 57g

 - Fiber: 27g

Benefits:

 - Provides a spicy kick and enhances metabolism.

 - Contains capsaicin, known for its pain-relief and anti-inflammatory effects.

Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 276 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 63g

 - Fiber: 37g

Benefits:

 - Adds a herbal note to the stew.

 - Rich in antioxidants and may support respiratory health.

Bay Leaf (1)

 - Calories: 313 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 75g

 - Fiber: 26g

Benefits:

 - Adds a subtle depth of flavor.

 - Contains vitamins A and C, as well as folic acid.

Liquid Base:

Fish Stock or Water (1 liter)

Benefits:

 - Provides a rich, flavorful base for the stew.

 - If using fish stock, adds extra nutrients from the fish bones and vegetables used in making it.

Vinegar (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: 18 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0.9g

Benefits:

 - Adds acidity, balancing the flavors.

 - May aid in digestion and help control blood sugar levels.

Garnish:

Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

 - Calories: 36 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Fiber: 3.3g

Benefits:

 - High in vitamin K, essential for bone health.

 - Provides antioxidants that support overall health.

Serving:

Lemon Wedges (for serving)

 - Calories: 29 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 9g

 - Fiber: 2.8g

Benefits:

 - Adds a fresh, tangy flavor.

 - High in vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.

This fish stew is a nutrient-dense meal, rich in protein from the fish and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the vegetables and spices. The combination of hearty fish, vibrant vegetables, and warming spices makes it a comforting and healthy dish.