Bream Soup with Spices

This delicious bream soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm you up on a cold day. Filled with fresh ingredients, it is a wonderful blend of vegetables and aromatic spices. The main highlight of this soup is fresh bream, which is first prepared by removing the heads and tails before cooking. A base of sautéed potatoes, carrots, and onions adds depth and richness to the broth. This soup is seasoned with a medley of spices like coriander and mustard seeds, creating a delightful aroma. The preparation involves crafting a rich stock from the bream’s heads and tails, simmered to perfection to extract maximum flavor. This dish takes some time to prepare, making it a perfect option for a weekend culinary project. Its complexity results in a nourishing meal that pleases both the palate and the senses. Enjoy this soup with a side of crusty bread or simply on its own for a satisfying feast.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 kg fresh bream
• 1 kg potatoes
• 500 g carrots
• 300 g onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 parsley root

Spices and Seasonings

• Salt
• Bay leaves
• Pepper
• Mustard seeds
• Coriander seeds
• Optional spices: rosemary, tarragon, basil, sage, Provençal herbs

Preparation Time

Total Time: 200 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Bream: Rinse the bream thoroughly. Remove the heads and tails and cut the fish into 2 cm pieces. Rinse the pieces again to ensure cleanliness.

2. Chop Vegetables: Dice the potatoes, carrots, and onions into 1.5 - 2 cm cubes. Mince the garlic cloves.

3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, sauté the potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic in a bit of oil for 3 - 5 minutes until just beginning to soften.

4. Make the Stock: Use the bream heads and tails to make a stock. Place them in a pot with water and gently simmer on low heat for 1.5 - 2 hours. Strain the liquid to remove any solids.

5. Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed carrots and parsley root to the strained stock. Simmer for another 15 minutes.

6. Add Potatoes and Onions: Introduce the sautéed potatoes and onions to the broth. Include the bay leaves and other chosen spices at this stage.

7. Season to Taste: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds. Adjust quantities according to your taste preference.

8. Cook the Bream: Once the potatoes and carrots are nearly tender, add the bream pieces into the soup. Let the soup simmer for another 15 - 20 minutes until the fish is cooked through.

9. Final Adjustments: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot. Enjoy your delightful bream soup!

Tips

• Substitute a variety of fresh herbs for a different flavor profile.
• Use vegetable stock if you prefer a lighter base.
• This soup can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen when left to rest.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
• Protein: 25g per serving
• Fats: 10g per serving
• Carbs: 35g per serving

Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bream and use more root vegetables or mushrooms.
• Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
• Use different types of fish if bream is unavailable.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crusty bread for dipping.
• Add a side salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
• Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for an aromatic finish.

Best Places

1. La Boqueria - A vibrant market offering a variety of local and international delicacies. Location: La Rambla 91, Barcelona, Spain.
2. Tsukiji Market - Famous for fresh seafood and traditional Japanese cuisine. Location: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Tokyo, Japan.
3. Fischereihafen Restaurant - Known for expertly prepared seafood dishes in a stylish setting. Location: Große Elbstraße 143, Hamburg, Germany.
4. Pike Place Market - An iconic market with diverse food stalls and fresh produce. Location: 85 Pike St, Seattle, USA.
5. Sydney Fish Market - Offers an array of fresh seafood and gourmet items. Location: Bank St & Pyrmont Bridge Rd, Sydney, Australia.
6. Mercado de San Miguel - A historic market featuring gourmet tapas and seafood. Location: Plaza de San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.
7. Borough Market - One of London's most renowned food markets with unique culinary offerings. Location: 8 Southwark St, London, UK.
8. Mercato Centrale - A hub for fresh Italian produce and delicious street food. Location: Via dell’Ariento, Florence, Italy.
9. Queen Victoria Market - A bustling market with a rich array of fresh seafood and local goods. Location: Queen St, Melbourne, Australia.
10. Zanzibar Market - Offers a rich mix of flavors and exotic spices in a vibrant atmosphere. Location: Darajani St, Zanzibar, Tanzania.