Easy Mediterranean Fish Stew with Potatoes

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As the days grow colder, there’s one dish that can truly warm your heart – my Mediterranean Fish Stew with Potatoes.

This comforting creation, steeped in the flavors of the Mediterranean, is a symphony of garlic-infused sardines, tender chunks of white fish, and hearty yellow potatoes.

With aromatic herbs, a hint of chili flakes, and delicious diced tomatoes, it’s the perfect comfort food for those chilly evenings when a cozy bowl of stew becomes your sanctuary.

Let me show you just how easy it is!

Ingredients:

• 6 cloves of garlic (chopped)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 boneless sardine fillets
• One large onion (diced)
• 1 stalk of celery (diced)
• 2 cups mushrooms (diced)
• 1 pound of small yellow potatoes (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
• One 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes and their juices
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 5 cups of water (or vegetable stock)
• 2 pounds of cod (cut into 1.5-inch pieces) – Or any firm white fish
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Easy instructions:

1. Mash the garlic cloves until they form a fragrant, garlicky paste. Then add the sardine fillets, salt, and pepper, and mash them together. Set this mixture aside.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, add the olive oil and sauté your chopped onions, diced mushrooms, and celery over medium heat. Let them cook until the onions turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add in the rosemary, thyme, oregano, and chili flakes, letting them bloom in the heat for around a minute.
4. Add the can of diced tomatoes and their juices to the pot, and let them simmer for approximately 5 minutes, infusing the stew with rich tomato flavors.
5. Stir in the sardine and garlic paste, making sure to incorporate it evenly. Let this fragrant blend cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Pour in the water and add the potatoes, then crank up the heat to bring it all to a boil. Once that boil is achieved, reduce the heat, cover and let the stew simmer until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, this takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Once the potatoes are done, gently place the cod or your choice of white fish into the stew and let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish pieces. They should flake easily with a fork when they’re done. Make sure your stew isn’t boiling when you add in your fish.
8. Serve this hearty dish in cozy bowls, accompanied by slices of toasted baguette. Enjoy!

Variations and Substitutions:

• Replace sardines with anchovies or mackerel for a different sea-scented note.
• Swap out white potatoes for sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness.
• Experiment with different types of fish, such as halibut or snapper, for a unique twist.
• Enhance the Mediterranean flair with a handful of pitted Kalamata olives.

For more soul warming comfort food, you will also want to try my Mediterranean Beef Stew or my Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta!

Pairing Suggestions:

• Complement the rich flavors of the stew with a crisp glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc.
• Serve with a simple salad of mixed greens dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty stew.

Storage instructions:

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making the stew even more delightful upon reheating.

When the weather turns brisk and comfort food beckons, my Mediterranean Fish Stew with Potatoes is your culinary refuge.

It’s a warm and hearty meal, filled with the robust flavors of the Mediterranean, ready to chase away the chill.

Savor every spoonful and let this dish be your go-to comfort food for colder weather. 🌊🍲🥔🍅🌶️🥄