Christmas Fish Soup (Vánoční rybí Polévka)
6 servings Christmas Fish Soup recipe brings the comforting flavors of Czech and Slovak cuisine to your kitchen. While carp is the traditional choice, this recipe uses readily available tilapia for a delicious and accessible alternative. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be enjoying a hearty and flavorful soup that's perfect... Read more ... for a festive meal or a cozy night in. Let's get cooking! Read less x saved Tom the Chef Founder November 17, 2024 30 min.30 min.1/5 30 min. 30 min. 1/5 Directions: 1. Fish Preparation: Begin preparing Christmas Fish Soup (Vánoční rybí Polévka) by prepping the fish. 1.1. Set oven to preheat to 350°F. 1.2. Prepare: 1.2.1. Ensure the fish fillets are properly rinsed under cold water. 1.2.2. Dry fish with a paper towel if needed. 1.2.3. Place fish fillets on a baking sheet with parchment paper. 1.2.4. Pour and sprinkle these ingredients on both sides of each fillet (each side should have about 1/4 of the ingredients shown; adjust if needed): Squeeze lemon and pour olive oil. Generously salt and pepper. Squeeze lemon and pour olive oil. Generously salt and pepper. 1.3. Roast: 1.3.1. Place into the preheated oven and roast until fully cooked (usually about 12 – 15 minutes). * 1.3.2. When done, remove from the oven and shred into small pieces with forks. 1.3.3. Set aside from the later steps at room temperature. It will be placed into the soup for the last 5 minutes, which will gently heat up the fish. Note: You can complete all steps before proceeding with step 2, or you can start working on step 2 right after you place the fish into the oven in step 1.3.1. This would speed up the process but would also require multitasking. 2. Sauté Vegetables: 2.1. Meanwhile preheat a medium pot on medium-high heat with 2 TBSP of frying oil and add: 1 onion – chopped Sauté with occasional stirring until glossy (about 2 – 4 minutes). 2.2. Add: 2 medium potatoes – chopped 2 medium carrots – chopped 2 celery ribs – chopped Sauté for an additional 2 minutes with constant stirring. 3. Simmering: 3.1. Add into the pot: 6 cups of fish broth 1 TBSP of dried parsley 2 bay leaves ½ TSP of ground allspice Briefly stir and cover with a lid. Bring to a simmer (about 195°F) with occasional stirring. 3.2. Lower the heat to medium and cook until all vegetables soften with occasional stirring (usually about 20 – 30 minutes). 4. Finishing Phase of Christmas Fish Soup Vánoční rybí Polévka: 4.1. Remove and discard the bay leaves. 4.2. Process until smooth with an immersion blender (while still cooking in a pot). 4.3. Add: 1 cup of heavy cream 1 clove of garlic – grated or pressed ¼ TSP of ground nutmeg ¾ TSP of salt ½ TSP of ground pepper ½ cup of peas Shredded fish from step 1 Briefly stir together and cook with occasional stirring for an additional 5 minutes (now without the lid). 4.4. Optionally, add water or broth if the liquid evaporates more than it should, and then cook for an additional 3 minutes. 4.5. Taste and add salt and/or pepper if needed. 5. Serving of Christmas Fish Soup Vánoční rybí Polévka: 5.1. For the best experience, let the soup cool gradually to a temperature between 145–155°F with occasional stirring before plating. 5.2. Serve with croutons or bread of any kind and a touch of thick sour cream. * Check with a food thermometer to make sure that you have reached the minimum recommended safe serving temperature for fish of 145°F. Kitchen Guide Fish USDA minimum safe internal temperature is 145°F Popular serving temperatures: 110 – 125°F – Rare 125 – 140°F – Medium Rare 145 – 155°F – Medium 110 – 125°F – Rare 125 – 140°F – Medium Rare 145 – 155°F – Medium A Christmas Eve Tale of Transformation Read more The snow falls softly outside, blanketing the world in a hush of white. Inside, the aroma of pine needles and cinnamon mingles with a surprisingly savory scent, a hint of something unexpected amidst the traditional Christmas fragrances. It’s Christmas Eve, and in this cozy kitchen, a culinary tale unfolds, a story of transformation and tradition, starring the humble tilapia as it embarks on a journey to become the heart of a festive Christmas Fish Soup. Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Tilapia? That mild-mannered fish often relegated to weeknight dinners? Surely not for Christmas Eve!” But hold on to your Santa hats, dear readers, because this is no ordinary tilapia. This is tilapia with a mission, a destiny to fulfill. It’s about to be elevated to Christmas Eve stardom, carrying on a cherished tradition from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where Christmas Fish Soup reigns supreme. Traditionally, this soup features carp, a fish rich in symbolism, representing abundance and prosperity for the coming year. But carp can be elusive in certain parts of the world, so this recipe cleverly substitutes tilapia, a readily available and surprisingly versatile fish. With a little culinary magic, this humble ingredient will be transformed into a festive masterpiece, a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of home cooks everywhere. A Symphony of Flavors: Orchestrating the Perfect Christmas Fish Soup This Christmas Fish Soup is a celebration of simplicity, a culinary symphony where each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious whole. Tilapia Transformed: Our hero, the tilapia, takes center stage. But first, it undergoes a pre-performance makeover. A squeeze of lemon brightens its flavor, a drizzle of olive oil adds richness, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances its natural taste. Then, it’s off to the oven, where it bakes to tender perfection, its delicate aroma filling the kitchen with anticipation. The Aromatic Foundation: While the tilapia is basking in the oven’s warmth, the supporting cast takes the stage. Onions, those culinary chameleons, sizzle in a pot, releasing their sweet and savory fragrance. Then, a colorful trio of potatoes, carrots, and celery join the dance, their earthy flavors adding depth and complexity. Broth of Life: A generous pour of fish broth (or chicken or vegetable broth, if you prefer) floods the pot, creating a fragrant pool for the vegetables to swim in. Dried parsley, bay leaves, and a whisper of allspice infuse the broth with layers of flavor, transforming it into a captivating elixir. The Simmering Symphony: As the soup simmers gently on the stovetop, the vegetables soften, releasing their essence into the broth. The kitchen fills with an intoxicating aroma, a siren song calling everyone to gather around the table. The Grand Finale: But the true magic happens in the final act. A swirl of heavy cream adds a touch of luxury, transforming the broth into a velvety dream. Grated garlic and a hint of nutmeg weave their magic, adding warmth and intrigue. A handful of peas provides a burst of color and sweetness, and finally, the star of the show – the roasted tilapia – makes its grand entrance, flaked into the soup, ready to share its tender goodness. Tilapia Transformed: Our hero, the tilapia, takes center stage. But first, it undergoes a pre-performance makeover. A squeeze of lemon brightens its flavor, a drizzle of olive oil adds richness, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances its natural taste. Then, it’s off to the oven, where it bakes to tender perfection, its delicate aroma filling the kitchen with anticipation. The Aromatic Foundation: While the tilapia is basking in the oven’s warmth, the supporting cast takes the stage. Onions, those culinary chameleons, sizzle in a pot, releasing their sweet and savory fragrance. Then, a colorful trio of potatoes, carrots, and celery join the dance, their earthy flavors adding depth and complexity. Broth of Life: A generous pour of fish broth (or chicken or vegetable broth, if you prefer) floods the pot, creating a fragrant pool for the vegetables to swim in. Dried parsley, bay leaves, and a whisper of allspice infuse the broth with layers of flavor, transforming it into a captivating elixir. The Simmering Symphony: As the soup simmers gently on the stovetop, the vegetables soften, releasing their essence into the broth. The kitchen fills with an intoxicating aroma, a siren song calling everyone to gather around the table. The Grand Finale: But the true magic happens in the final act. A swirl of heavy cream adds a touch of luxury, transforming the broth into a velvety dream. Grated garlic and a hint of nutmeg weave their magic, adding warmth and intrigue. A handful of peas provides a burst of color and sweetness, and finally, the star of the show – the roasted tilapia – makes its grand entrance, flaked into the soup, ready to share its tender goodness. A Christmas Eve Feast: More Than Just a Meal As the Christmas Fish Soup simmers to perfection, the anticipation builds. This is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary tradition, a symbol of togetherness and celebration. Imagine the scene: the table is set with festive cheer, candles flicker, and laughter fills the air. Bowls of steaming soup are placed before each guest, their faces glowing with anticipation. With the first spoonful, a hush falls over the room. The flavors dance on their tongues – the delicate fish, the sweet vegetables, the creamy broth, the hint of spice. It’s a symphony of taste, a culinary carol that fills their hearts with warmth and joy. This Christmas Fish Soup is a reminder that even the simplest ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary. It’s a testament to the power of tradition, the magic of shared meals, and the joy of creating something special for those we love. So this Christmas Eve, break free from the ordinary. Embrace the unexpected. Gather your loved ones, raise a bowl of Christmas Fish Soup, and toast to a holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and the unforgettable taste of tradition. Read less About the Author: Tom the ChefFounder # 1 120 Followers Published Recipes: 268Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Iowa, USAMember since: 2023-02-02 Published Recipes: 268 Av. 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Sourcing of ingredients, providing tools, equipment, and anything else related to the preparation and consumption of the products of this recipe. Nutritional data and information and diet-related information (and their accuracy). It is important to consult with your medical provider to ensure that the diet you are considering is suitable for you and to verify the information provided before proceeding. The overall outcome of following recipes, including the look and taste of the final product. Possible errors in articles and recipes (including incorrectly or unclearly explained steps and directions). Typos. All readers (users and visitors of www.CookingHub.com) are responsible for evaluating the recipes and articles and making their own decisions about whether to follow the steps and recommendations. They must ensure that the ingredients and steps fit with their dietary restrictions and avoid preparation methods that could pose a health risk due to an unsuitable diet.