Fish Soup/Stew With Vegetables

Leggy Peggy's Note:

Years ago, I adapted this recipe from a 1970s paperback Booth's (Pillsbury) Fish and Seafood Cookbook. It has always had rave reviews from tasters here. It's on the stove now and two of our past exchange students, who are visiting now, want to know why I never served it before. It's quick, easy, tasty and nourishing. We love the herbs, so I tend to use up to a full teaspoon of each.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 1/2 lbs fish, firm, white and diced
• 1 tablespoon oil (optional if bacon has enough fat)
• 1 cup bacon, diced (or more)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped (capsicum)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped (capsicum)
• 1 cup celery, chopped (optional)
• 3 cups boiling water
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/4-1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4-1 teaspoon basil
• 1/4-1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 -4 dashes Tabasco sauce
• 3 cups tomato juice

Directions:

1. If necessary, thaw and/or skin fish. Then dice into 1/2-1 inch pieces. Set aside.
2. In a dutch oven or very large skillet, fry bacon in heated oil until lightly browned.
3. Add onion, bell peppers and celery, and fry until softened.
4. Add water, potatoes, seasonings and fish.
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
6. If your fish will cook very quickly, you can wait to add it with the tomato juice.
7. Add tomato juice and heat through.

Reviews

[Beautiful BC]

This was a very good soup and a very pretty one too. I added 1 minced jalapeno & 1 minced red chili pepper and used vegetable broth instead of water. Next time I'll add some baby shrimp, black pepper and red pepper flakes as well. Made for ZWT4

[Peter J]

Yum! Simple and delicous with a nice smokey tang from the tabasco and bacon. Only change I made was to add a little garlic with the onion and I steamed the fish (Hake) on top covered for 5 minutes before adding the tomato juice.

[Gerry]

We soup lovers enjoyed this one! A wonderful combination of ingredients and seasonings making for a soup that is our kind of soup. Other then offering a grinding of black pepper at the table I made as posted. Next time around going to double the recipe - so I can freeze and have on hand for those days when needing something quick, easy ... and good!