Fish Soup Cod Recipe

Fish soup cod recipe, a dish that brings warmth, flavor, and comfort all in one bowl, is a true culinary gem. It’s a classic dish in many coastal regions, especially in countries like Portugal, Norway, and parts of the Mediterranean. When you think of fish soup, you likely imagine a rich, hearty broth filled with tender pieces of fish and an array of flavorful ingredients that complement the delicate taste of the fish. Cod, in particular, is a favorite because of its firm texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s perfect for creating a soup that’s not too overwhelming but still bursting with taste.

This dish doesn’t just warm your soul-it’s also an easy, healthy meal to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a special dish for a cozy gathering, this fish soup cod recipe checks all the boxes. Let’s dive deeper into how you can bring this comforting dish to life in your own kitchen!

This recipe revolves around cod, but you can tweak it with various vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste. The base is typically a rich, flavorful broth that highlights the freshness of the fish and the earthiness of the other ingredients. Think of it as the perfect balance of lightness and depth, with each spoonful offering a harmony of flavors.

Here’s the recipe that will bring this warm, savory experience to your dinner table.

Ingredients Needed

The beauty of a fish soup like this one is that it doesn’t require a long list of complex ingredients. You can find most of these items at your local grocery store, and many of them are staples in many kitchens. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cod fillets – About 1 lb of boneless cod, fresh or frozen, cut into bite-sized pieces. This is the star of the show, so make sure it’s high-quality cod.
Olive oil – A couple of tablespoons to sauté the vegetables and give a smooth, rich base.
Onions – 1 medium-sized onion, chopped. This will add a mild sweetness and depth to the flavor.
Garlic – 3-4 cloves, minced. Garlic will infuse the soup with an aromatic punch and balance out the flavors.
Carrots – 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced. They bring a slight sweetness and color to the dish.
Celery – 2 stalks, chopped. Celery adds a bit of crunch and a savory undertone.
Potatoes – 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced. These will help thicken the soup and add heartiness.
Tomatoes – 2 medium tomatoes, diced, or 1 can of crushed tomatoes. They provide acidity and balance the richness of the broth.
Fish stock – 4 cups. If you don’t have fish stock, a good vegetable broth can also work, but fish stock will give it that authentic seafood taste.
Bay leaves – 2 leaves. They add a subtle herbal essence to the soup.
Thyme – A few sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried. This herb enhances the earthy flavors of the vegetables.
Parsley – Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish. It adds a burst of freshness and color.
Lemon juice – A squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors and add a hint of acidity.
Salt and pepper – To taste. These simple seasonings are essential for balancing and elevating the flavors of the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking this fish soup is pretty straightforward, and the steps are simple enough to follow even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen. Here’s how to make it:

Prepare The Ingredients
- Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, and tomatoes.
- Cut the cod into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using frozen cod, thaw it completely and pat it dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture.
Sauté The Base Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the carrots and celery, stirring occasionally, and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
Add Potatoes, Tomatoes, And Broth
- Add the diced potatoes and tomatoes to the pot, followed by the fish stock.
- Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer.
- Drop in the bay leaves and thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked through.
Add The Cod
- Once the potatoes are soft, carefully add the cod pieces to the pot.
- Stir gently to combine and let the fish cook in the broth for 5-7 minutes. You’ll know the fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Finishing Touches
- Squeeze in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs if using fresh thyme.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for color and flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a moment to explore why these ingredients work so well together:

Cod: Cod’s mild flavor and flaky texture make it ideal for soups. It absorbs the flavors of the broth without overpowering them, and its firm texture helps it hold up during cooking.
Olive oil: It’s not just for sautéing! Olive oil imparts a rich, slightly fruity flavor that adds complexity to the base of the soup.
Potatoes: The starch in potatoes acts as a natural thickener, giving the soup a hearty, comforting texture.
Bay leaves and thyme: Both of these herbs bring an aromatic backdrop to the soup, giving it depth without making it taste too herbal.
Lemon juice: The acidity of lemon helps balance the richness of the fish and broth, preventing the soup from feeling too heavy.

Expert Tips

Fish quality matters: The better the fish, the better the soup. Try to get fresh cod, but if frozen is your only option, just make sure it’s wild-caught for the best taste.
Thickening the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the pot with a fork or use an immersion blender to purée a portion of the soup.
Adjust seasonings: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can give the soup an extra layer of flavor.
Make it ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Fish Soup: Add a small chopped chili or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Coconut milk: For a creamy twist, add some coconut milk in place of part of the fish stock. This gives the soup a velvety texture and a subtle sweetness.
Vegetarian version: Swap the cod for a combination of mushrooms or another meaty vegetable like cauliflower for a plant-based version of the soup.
Herb variations: Try experimenting with fresh dill or basil instead of thyme and parsley. Dill especially pairs wonderfully with fish.

Final Words

This fish soup cod recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. It’s a dish that showcases the natural goodness of the ingredients without requiring too much fuss. With a few staple vegetables, some fresh herbs, and that beautiful cod, you can create a meal that feels both comforting and refined. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this soup is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak to your taste, making it easy to personalize.

Fish Soup Cod Recipe