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MoroccanAuthentic Cuisine

Fish Soup (Soupe de Poisson)

Serves 6 Soup seafood, Soups

Fish Soup (Soupe de Poisson)

Along the bustling coastal towns of Essaouira, Safi, and Agadir, fish soup is a celebration of the Atlantic's daily offerings. Each bowl captures the catch of the day, with the fishermen's haul dictating the medley of white fish and heads. This dish is a staple in the homes of locals, often enjoyed as a comforting meal that connects the table to the sea's bounty.

The soup is an aromatic blend where the essence of the ocean meets the warmth of cumin and paprika. The chermoula infuses the broth with a vibrant depth, while grated tomatoes and potatoes create a rich, hearty base. Each spoonful evokes a taste of the sea, enhanced by the freshness of chopped cilantro.

Ingredients

  • 800 g (1.75 lb)mixed white fish and heads — or fillets plus a fish stock
  • 3 tbspchermoula
  • 3tomatoes, grated
  • 1onion
  • 2potatoes, cubed
  • 1 tspcumin
  • 1 tsppaprika
  • 1 handfulcilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • 1 tspsalt

Method

  1. Begin by finely chopping the onion. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. This will form the aromatic base of your soup.
  2. Stir in 3 tablespoons of chermoula, 3 grated tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Cook for another 3 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and the tomatoes have slightly reduced, creating a rich base for the soup.
  3. Peel and cube 2 potatoes, then add them to the pot along with enough water or fish stock to cover the potatoes completely. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the potatoes to cook and soften for about 20 minutes. The potatoes should be tender enough to break apart easily with a fork.
  4. Once the potatoes are tender, add 800 g (1.75 lb) of mixed white fish and heads to the pot. Ensure the fish is submerged in the liquid. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. This indicates that the fish is perfectly cooked.
  5. Finish the soup by stirring in a handful of chopped cilantro. This will add a fresh, herbal note to the dish. Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
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From the cookbook

Authentic Moroccan Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Moroccan Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Moroccan volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.