RECIPE

Tunisian Fish-and-Vegetable Stew

  • Contributed by Quick From Scratch Fish & Shellfish
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4

Carrots, turnip, zucchini, potatoes and cod simmer in a spicy tomato broth redolent of garlic and cumin. The spiciness here comes from red-pepper flakes, but feel free to use the fiery Tunisian hot sauce harissa if you can get hold of some. Serve the fragrant stew with steamed couscous, which all absorb the generous quantity of broth.

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  • SERVINGS: 4
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Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 2 tablespoons cooking oil
    2. 1 onion, chopped
    3. 4 cloves garlic, cut into thin slices
    4. 3 tablespoons tomato paste
    5. 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
    6. 1/4 teaspoon dried red-pepper flakes
    7. 1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
    8. 1 teaspoon salt
    9. 1 quart canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
    10. 3/4 pound boiling potatoes (about 2), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
    11. 3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
    12. 1 turnip, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
    13. 2 zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
    14. 1 1/2 pounds cod fillets, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
    15. 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

  1. In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, red-pepper flakes, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
  2. Add the broth and bring to a simmer. Add the potatoes and carrots and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the turnip, zucchini, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Simmer for 10 minutes longer. Add the cod, bring back to a simmer, and cook until just done, about 3 minutes. Serve the stew topped with the parsley.

Notes

Fish Alternatives Any relatively firm, white-fleshed fish will work well. Try rockfish, grouper, or for a special treat, halibut. Be sure to remove the skin before adding the fish to the pot.