Ingredients
Fish
- 1 lb. cod
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon pepper, divided
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced in 2 inch cubes
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
Herbs & Liquids
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2-3 cups vegetable broth or water
- Juice of 1 lemon, fresh squeezed
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoned Flour: In a large plate, combine the flour, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and onion powder and mix well to create the seasoned coating for the fish.
- Dredge the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture until coated on both sides.
- Brown the Fish: Heat olive oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the cod and cook about 4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove the fish from the pot and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate extra flavor.
- Cook Vegetables: Add carrots, celery, bell pepper, and diced potatoes to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes while stirring often to soften the vegetables slightly.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in vegetable broth (or water) along with diced tomatoes. Stir in remaining cumin, dried oregano, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Stew: Reduce heat to a low simmer, then gently add the browned cod back into the pot. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, until potatoes and carrots are tender and flavors meld together.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stew. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a convenient shortcut, substitute frozen O'Brien potatoes (which include peppers and onions) for the diced potatoes, bell pepper, and onion; add them with the carrots and celery and cook until tender.
- To make this stew gluten-free, use rice flour or corn starch to dredge the fish instead of all-purpose flour, or omit the flour coating altogether.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean