Ingredients
Sicilian Style Fish Stew
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 4 cups fish stock
- ½ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 2 cups cooked orzo
- 2 pounds white fish fillets, cut into 2-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic Herb Oil and Garnish
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons basil, finely chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, and sauté until softened, about 7-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes, and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute or until it caramelizes slightly, enhancing the flavor.
- Combine Broth Ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, dry white wine, fish stock, sliced kalamata olives, capers, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Oil: While the stew simmers, place chopped parsley and basil in a heat-safe bowl. In a small pot, heat ¼ cup olive oil over low heat with smashed garlic cloves. Simmer until garlic turns golden brown and softens, then remove from heat and pour hot oil over the herbs. Allow to cool completely to infuse flavors.
- Add Orzo and Fish: Stir the cooked orzo into the stew. Add the pieces of white fish and increase heat to medium. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the fish stew into bowls. Drizzle the garlic herb oil over the top, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and serve immediately with crusty bread on the side if desired.
Notes
- Use firm white fish like cod, halibut, or snapper for best results.
- Cooked orzo can be made ahead of time to save preparation time.
- Adjust red chili flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- White wine can be substituted with dry vermouth or fish stock if preferred.
- For a gluten-free meal, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
