Cream Fish Soup Recipe

Cream fish soup is one of those classic dishes that warms you from the inside out. It’s rich, hearty, and just the thing for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family. The velvety creaminess pairs perfectly with the delicate flavor of fish, creating a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting at the same time. What makes it even better is that it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs.

This soup has a flexible base, meaning you can adjust it to fit your personal tastes, what ingredients are available to you, or even how indulgent you want to get with it. In this recipe, I’m going to walk you through the process of creating the perfect cream fish soup, from the freshest ingredients to expert tips for ensuring that your dish is restaurant-quality every time. Whether you want to go classic with cod or explore other fish options, this is a recipe that guarantees to be a crowd-pleaser.

Cream Fish Soup Recipe

A creamy fish soup is a combination of tender fish, aromatic vegetables, a smooth, flavorful broth, and, of course, a good dose of cream to bring it all together. This recipe is perfect for 4 servings, so it’s a great choice for a small family meal or an intimate dinner with friends.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb (450 g) white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cups fish stock (or chicken stock, if preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional, but it adds depth)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to brighten the flavor)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Fish

   • If using whole fillets, cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation into the soup later.

2. Sauté Vegetables

   • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion, and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Toss in the garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.

3. Add Liquids And Seasonings

   • Pour in the white wine (if using), and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
   • Add the fish stock, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Add Fish

   • Gently drop the fish pieces into the soup. Let them cook in the broth for about 5-7 minutes until they are just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the fish.

5. Finish With Cream

   • Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to simmer for another 3-4 minutes to combine everything. Taste for seasoning, and adjust with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice if needed.

6. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or dill, and serve immediately with crusty bread on the side.

Ingredient Insights

To get the best out of your cream fish soup, it’s important to understand the role each ingredient plays:

• Fish Fillets: The heart of this soup is the fish, and you’ll want to choose a mild, white fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia. These types of fish hold their shape well during cooking and don’t overpower the flavor of the broth. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with salmon or trout for a richer taste, though they may affect the soup’s overall creaminess and texture.
• Fish Stock: Using a good-quality fish stock elevates the depth of flavor in the soup. If you don’t have fish stock on hand, chicken stock is a fine substitute. Avoid using plain water, as it lacks the richness you’ll want to balance the creaminess.
• Heavy Cream: The cream is what turns this soup from a basic broth into something indulgent. Opt for full-fat heavy cream for the richest texture. Half-and-half or whole milk can work if you prefer a lighter version, but they won’t deliver the same luxurious consistency.
• White Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc adds acidity and complexity, enhancing the soup’s overall flavor. It’s optional, but it makes a noticeable difference in the depth of the broth.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill add a touch of brightness, which cuts through the richness of the cream. Thyme and bay leaves offer an earthy background note that complements the delicate flavors of the fish.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Fish: Fish cooks quickly, especially in hot liquid. Be mindful not to let it overcook, or it will break apart and become dry. The fish should be tender, flaky, and just cooked through when you add the cream.
• Use Homemade Stock: If you have the time, making your own fish stock is incredibly rewarding and will elevate the soup to another level. You can use fish bones, scraps, and heads to simmer with vegetables, herbs, and water for an hour or two.
• Add a Dash of Fresh Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end balances out the richness of the cream and adds a refreshing brightness to the soup. It’s a simple, but effective way to enhance the overall flavor.
• Control the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can purée a portion of the vegetables and broth before adding the cream. This will create a more velvety texture without making the soup overly creamy.

Recipe Variations

This cream fish soup can easily be customized depending on your preferences or what you have in the pantry. Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Seafood Medley: Add a combination of shrimp, scallops, and mussels for a richer seafood experience. You could replace some of the fish with these, or simply mix them in with the fish fillets.
• Spicy Twist: Add a bit of heat by incorporating finely chopped chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This will give the soup a kick and balance out the creaminess with some heat.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in additional vegetables like leeks, parsnips, or potatoes to make the soup even more filling and hearty. A handful of spinach or kale at the end of cooking would be a nice touch for some added greens.
• Smoky Flavor: If you love smoky flavors, try adding a bit of smoked paprika or smoked fish (like smoked haddock) to the broth. This will give the soup a distinctive depth and complexity.

Final Words

Cream fish soup is the perfect combination of elegance and comfort. It’s sophisticated enough for a special occasion but simple enough for a regular weeknight meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility-you can adjust the ingredients, vary the types of fish, and play with flavors to suit your taste. Whether you keep it classic or get creative with the variations, it’s a soup that is sure to become a household favorite.