You are about to discover a delightful rustic fisherman’s tomato stew, a hearty and flavorful stew dinner recipe perfect for any evening. This simple one-pot meal brings warmth and comfort to your table with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Firm White Fish: Use cod, haddock, or snapper. You can also use frozen fish, thawed completely.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes or fresh, peeled, and crushed tomatoes work well.
- Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth is a good alternative for this stew dinner recipe.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley is best, but dried Italian seasoning can be used in a pinch.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 pound firm white fish fillets, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400
- Tools Needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, cutting board, sharp knife.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
2. Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and black pepper (and red pepper flakes if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant. This deepens the flavor of your stew dinner recipe.
3. Simmer the Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Introduce the Fish
Gently add the fish pieces to the simmering stew. Cover and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
5. Finish with Fresh Herbs
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve your rustic fisherman’s tomato stew warm.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra greens.
- Stir in a can of cannellini beans (rinsed and drained) for added protein and fiber.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover rustic fisherman’s tomato stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals. This stew dinner recipe tastes even better the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use frozen fish? Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the stew.
- What if I don’t have fresh herbs? You can use 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning in place of the fresh parsley, adding it with the other dried spices.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the base of the stew ahead. Add the fish about 10 minutes before you plan to serve.
- Is this stew spicy? Only if you add the red pepper flakes. You can omit them for a milder stew.
- What should I serve with this stew? Crusty bread, rice, or a side salad are excellent accompaniments to this stew dinner recipe.
- How do I prevent the fish from falling apart? Add the fish in larger, sturdier pieces and cook it for just the recommended time until it’s opaque.