How to season fish soup? A complete guide with recipes

Introduction to Fish Soup

Fish soup, with its rich history and variety of regional variations, is one of the world's most distinctive and much-loved dishes. The origins of this sometimes simple and at other times exquisite dish date back to antiquity, where it was a dietary staple in many coastal cultures. From the traditional bouillabaisse in France, to Italian-style fish soup cioppino, to Scandinavian salmon soups, each culture has contributed something unique to this culinary heritage. In Polish cuisine, the Christmas Eve fish soup is a classic.

The variety of fish soups around the world reflects the richness of local cuisines. Whether they are based on freshwater fish or those of the sea, these soups are always characterised by a depth of flavour and aroma. The right combination of fish and seafood with selected spices and herbs is the key to creating a dish that will delight any gourmet.

In this article, we will not only introduce you to the variety of fish soups, but also show you how, with the right spices, you can enhance and enrich their flavour. By learning about the key ingredients and how to combine them, the reader will be able to rediscover this traditional but still full of surprises dish.

Basic spices in fish soup

We take a look at the list of spices that go best with different variations of fish soup:

1. Salt: The basic seasoning, essential for enhancing the natural flavour of fish and seafood. Salt is used to balance and enhance the flavour of the whole soup.
2. Black pepper: Black pepper adds a delicate spicy flavour to fish soup.
3. BayLeaf: The delicate but distinctive aroma of bay leaf harmonises perfectly with the fish, adding depth of flavour to the soup.
4. Garlic: Garlic is used to impart an intense flavour and aroma, especially in fish soups with a stronger flavour profile.
5. Onions: Onions are often used as a base for soups, adding a sweet, delicate flavour that goes well with the tenderness of the fish.
6. Parsley: Fresh or dried, parsley adds a fresh, slightly herbaceous touch to soups.
7. Allspice: Brings a warm, slightly spicy flavour with a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the delicacy of the fish.
8. Sweet or hot paprika: Used to add colour and flavour, especially in fish soups with a richer flavour profile.
9. Saffron: Although seemingly expensive, it is a very efficient spice. It blends well in both clear broths and creamy versions. It adds a unique aroma and a beautiful colour.
10. Lemon: Lemon juice or zest is often added to add freshness and lightness, and to balance the rich flavour of fish.
11. Fennel (Fenugreek): Adds a sweet, slightly aniseed flavour, particularly popular in fish soups with a Mediterranean flair.

Later in this article, we will introduce less obvious spices that will turn up the flavour and aroma of fish soup.

Experiment with spices in fish soup

Spices can be addedto soups throughout their cooking, and choosing the right moment depends not only on the spice or herb, but also on the effect you want to achieve. Let's look at this a little closer:

When to add spices to fish soup?

• At the beginning of cooking: Spices such as peppercorns, onions, garlic, bay leaves, and allspice are best added at the beginning of cooking. This allows their flavours to develop in the broth.
• Towards theend of cooking: Towards the end of cooking season 'to taste' with ground spices, salt to the desired effect, and it won't be wrong to add milder spices like saffron at this stage or adjust acidity with lemon juice.

Unusual but tasty spice combinations

• Ginger: Adds an oriental touch, especially when combined with lemongrass or coriander.
• Coriander: It can be surprising, but its citrusy and sappy aroma harmonises perfectly with the delicate taste of fish. Be careful, as it is usually loved or hated. People who dislike coriander leaves describe its taste as metallic, bland.
• Turmeric: Gives the soup a warm, earthy flavour and intense colour.
• Chilli peppers: For spiciness lovers, adding chilli peppers can add spiciness to fish soup.

The effect of different spices on the taste and flavour of fish soup

• Earthy spices like cumin or coriander: They bring depth and fullness of flavour, ideal for soups with a richer broth.
• Fresh and dried herbs: Fresh herbs such as basil or thyme can add freshness and lightness, while dried versions have a more intense flavour.
• Acidity from lemon or lime: They add lightness and freshness and help balance the rich flavours of fish and fats.

When seasoning fish soup, it is worth experimenting not only with different spices, but also with seasoning herbs. In the next part of this article we will look at the issue of herbs in more detail.

 

Read also: How to season chicken

 

Herbs to add character to fish soup

Fish and seafood go well with fresh and dried herbs, so their addition in fish soup is highly recommended. Let's see which herbs are the best choice:

Fresh and dried herbs in fish soup

 

• Fresh herbs:
  • Dill: Characterised by its fresh and slightly sweet flavour, dill is ideal for soups with delicately flavoured fish such as cod or salmon. Its delicate but distinctive aroma perfectly compliments the subtle fish notes, adding a refreshing freshness to fish soups.
  • Parsley: Adds freshness, especially good in light, clear fish soups.
  • Basil: Gives a Mediterranean touch, great in soups with tomatoes or with fish such as hake.
  • Thyme: Ideal for richer, creamy soups, such as salmon soup.
• Dried herbs:
  • Oregano: Popular in Mediterranean cuisine, it gives the soup an intense, herbal flavour, ideal for soups with fish such as codfish.
  • Marjoram: Its delicate, slightly sweet flavour goes well with soups with a richer broth, such as the classic fish soup.
  • Rosemary: Rosemary's strong, resinous aroma works best in thick, intense soups, such as tuna soup.

Herbs play an important role in creating flavour and aroma, whether you choose fresh or dried they will be an important complement to the taste of fish soup.

Advice on when to add spice herbs to fish soup

 

Choosing the stage of soup cooking at which to add herbs can sometimes be problematic especially for novice cooks, here are key tips:

 

 

• Adding Fresh Herbs: To preserve their delicate aroma and freshness, add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking or just before serving. Cooking for too long can result in a loss of flavour.
• Adding Dried Herbs: Dried herbs should be added earlier in the cooking process to release their intense aromas and flavours, allowing their notes to penetrate the broth better.
• Experimenting with Herbs: Experiment with different herbs to find the perfect combination of flavours for your fish soup. For example, a combination of dill and parsley can add freshness to the soup, while a blend of rosemary and marjoram will add a depth of flavours in a richer broth.

 

We wrote more extensively about seasoning soups and choosing the right time to season them in our article Secrets of seasoning soups, if you want to explore this topic in more depth, it will be a very worthwhile read.

Valuable additions to add variety to fish soup

In cooking, it is already the case that apparently the same dish tastes better in one place, but is no longer to our liking at the hands of another cook. So let's see what to look out for if you want to make a delicious fish soup.

Ingredients that enhance flavour and texture

• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, leeks and potatoes are classic additions that enrich the broth and add density to the soup. Onions and garlic can add depth of flavour.
• Seafood: Mussels, prawns or squid can be added to the soup to add extra flavours and textures.
• Mushrooms: Dried mushrooms, such as shitake or porcini, can add an earthy, deep flavour to the soup.
• Creamof Cream: Adding cream or mascarpone can transform a clear fish soup into a creamy and filling dish.
• Croutons: They provide an attractive garnish and make fish soup more filling. Croutons are a great way to use up stale bread.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs such as dill, basil or parsley can be used as a decorative and flavourful addition.

How to choose the right accompaniments for different types of fish

We usually divide fish into marine and freshwater, but in terms of choosing seasonings and herbs, we suggest looking at them through a different prism:

• For Delicate Fish (e.g. cod, sole): Choose mild additions that will not overwhelm the subtle flavours of the fish, such as light vegetables (leek, fennel) or delicate herbs (parsley, dill).
• For Fatty Fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel): You can indulge in stronger flavours such as crème fraîche, intense mushrooms or spicy seasonings to balance the richness of the fish.
• For Medium-Fat Fish (e.g. trout, tuna): Here both mild and stronger accompaniments go well. You can experiment with a variety of vegetables, herbs and spices to find the perfect balance.

We have already learned quite a bit about spices for fish soups, so let's get to cooking!

 

Read also: How to season pumpkin soup

 

Classic fish soup recipe

Let's start with a classic recipe, a soup that you can make any time of year and decide for yourself through the right additions whether it should be light or filling.

 

Step by step: Preparing a tasty fish soup

Ingredients:

• 500g fish fillets (e.g. cod, salmon, hake)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 400g canned tomatoes
• 1 litre of fish or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method of preparation:

1. Saute Vegetables: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, garlic, carrots and celery. Fry over a medium heat until the vegetables are softened.
2. Start cooking: Add the vegetables from the pan, canned tomatoes and broth to the pot. Stir and bring to a boil.
3. Adding Spices: Add bay leaf, thyme, salt and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. Adding the Fish: Add the sliced fish fillets to the soup. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
5. Final Seasoning: Add lemon juice and further season to taste with salt and pepper.

Recipe variations - to suit different tastes

• For Spicy Lovers: Add chopped chilli peppers along with the vegetables to make the soup spicier.
• Creamy Version: Once the fish is cooked, you can add cream or mascarpone to give the soup a creamy texture.
• With Seafood Addition: Add prawns, mussels or squid in the last 5 minutes of cooking to enrich the soup with a variety of flavours and textures.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the fish stock with vegetable stock and add more vegetables, such as fennel or potatoes, for a richer texture.

Remember that each recipe can be adapted to your own tastes. Experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your ideal version of fish soup.

Recipe for Christmas Eve fish soup made from carp heads

In Polish tradition, it appears on the Christmas Eve table as often as mushroom soup. A sort of mix of the two soups is also encountered, when carp head broth is used to cook mushroom soup. We will focus in this recipe on the classic carp head soup.

Step by Step: Preparing the perfect Christmas Eve fish soup

Ingredients:

• Carp heads (2-3 pieces, depending on size)
• 2-3 carrots, sliced
• 1 parsley (root), sliced
• 1 small celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1-2 bay leaves
• A few grains of allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: lemon juice, fresh dill

Method of preparation:

1. Prepare the Carp Heads: Thoroughly clean the carp heads. You can also use the giblets from the carp.
2. Cooking the Broth: In a large kitchen pot, place the carp heads, add bay leaves, allspice and salt. Pour in water so that the ingredients are covered. Simmer on low heat for about 1 hour.
3. Adding Vegetables: Add chopped vegetables to the pot: carrots, parsley, celery and onion. Cook for a further 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
4. Seasoning the Soup: Season the soup to taste with salt, pepper and optional lemon juice. You can also add fresh dill for extra flavour.
5. Serving: Before serving, remove the carp heads and larger ingredients (such as bay leaves and allspice). The soup should be clear with chunks of vegetables visible.

Recipe variations - to suit different tastes

• With the addition of Croutons: You can add croutons, then the soup will be more filling, it is also a garnish.
• Creamy Version: After removing the carp heads and before serving, blend the vegetables with a blender to give the soup a creamy texture.
• With Fish Additions: For more variety, you can add carp fillets or other fish to the soup, cooking them until tender in the broth.

Remember that each soup can be tailored to individual preferences, so don't hesitate to modify the recipe to meet the expectations of everyone in the household. Christmas Eve fish soup is a dish that fits perfectly into the festive atmosphere and can be served as a special part of the supper.

Bouillabaisse recipe: a traditional French fish soup

Introducing a classic recipe for Bouillabaisse, a rich and flavoursome French fish soup from Marseille.

Ingredients

• 1 kg of various types of sea fish (e.g. salmon, hake, cod)
• 200 g mussels
• 200 g prawns
• 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 400 g tinned tomatoes, chopped
• 1 litre of fish stock
• 1 bunch of fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 100 ml white wine
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Baguette to serve

Method

1. In a large pot, fry the onion and garlic in the olive oil. Add the tinned tomatoes, thyme and bay leaves, and cook for a few minutes.
2. Add the fish stock and white wine, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Add the fish and prawns, cook until the fish is tender, about 10-15 minutes. Then add the mussels and cook until they open.
4. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Remove from the heat.
5. Serve the hot soup with pieces of baguette.

This traditional fish soup from the south of France is the perfect feast for seafood and fish lovers, combining the rich flavours and aromas of the Mediterranean.

 

Read also: How to season hummus to boost its flavour

 

Secrets of the perfect fish soup

 

Kitchen tricks and little-known tricks

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of the fish and vegetables is key. Fresh ingredients provide a deeper and more intense flavour.
2. MakeYour Own Fish Broth: Instead of ready-made broths, create your own broth from fish heads, tails and bones. This adds a unique depth of flavour.
3. Slow Cooking: A long and slow cooking process allows the flavours to combine and develop better.
4. Balance between Acidity and Sweetness: The addition of lemon juice or vinegar can balance the sweetness and add freshness to the soup. On the other hand, a teaspoon of sugar can temper the excessive acidity.
5. Flavoured Fats: Using clarified butter or olive oil with herbs and spices can enrich the flavour of the soup.

How to improve the flavour and aroma of your finished soup

• Add Herbs at the End: Fresh herbs such as dill, basil or parsley, added just before serving, significantly enhance the flavour and aroma of the soup.
• Taste Adjustment: If the soup seems bland, do not hesitate to add a little more salt, pepper or lemon juice. A small amount of well-chosen seasoning can work wonders.
• Use Cream or Coconut Milk: Adding cream or coconut milk at the final stage of cooking can add creaminess and richness to the soup.
• Add Horseradish or Mustard: A teaspoon of horseradish or mustard can bring a tangy and surprising element to fish soup.
• Thickening Soups: If you prefer thicker soups, consider adding a little potato flour diluted in water or a little rice to thicken it as it cooks.

Either method can transform fish soup into a truly unique dish. Remember that cooking is also the art of improvisation, so experiment and adapt the recipe to your tastes.

 

Health aspects of spices in fish soup

Spices added to fish soup not only enhance its flavour and aroma, but can also bring a number of health benefits. Here is how selected spices can positively influence the nutritional value of the soup and bring health benefits.

Health benefits of individual spices

• Garlic: Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Can support the immune system and lower cholesterol.
• Ginger: Has anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve digestive problems. It is also helpful in relieving nausea.
• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It may help to improve heart health and relieve arthritis symptoms.
• Laurel leaf: May aid digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Parsley: Rich in vitamin C, iron and antioxidants. May support kidney and heart health.
• Dill: Contains vitamins A and C and minerals such as iron. May contribute to bone and digestive health.

Summary: A world of fish soup flavours

 

A showpiece of the culinary traditions of many cultures, fish soup is a dish with an extraordinary depth of flavours and aromas. Preparing the perfect fish soup is an art that requires attention to detail, from the selection of ingredients to the correct use of spices.

 

The importance of the balance of flavours and aromas

 

The key to successful fish soup preparation is finding harmony between the different flavours and aromas. The right choice and proportion of spices, fresh herbs, as well as additions such as vegetables or seafood, can completely change the character of the soup. It is important that no one ingredient dominates the others, but that all together form a coherent and balanced whole.

When looking for a reliable spice wholesaler, it is worth looking at Mr Cook. Our spices, herbs and seasoning blends are the result of years of experience and a passion for taste. We are proud to support culinary professionals and amateurs in their daily work, providing products that inspire and delight. Check out what we can offer you and join the ranks of satisfied Mr Cook customers.

 

 

Inspiration and encouragement to experiment in the kitchen

 

Fish soup offers endless possibilities for experimentation in the kitchen. We encourage you to try new spice combinations, explore different types of fish and seafood and add unusual ingredients that can add an individual touch to your soup. Whether you choose a classic approach or opt for modern interpretations, fish soup will always be a unique culinary experience.

In summary, fish soup is a dish that combines tradition with modernity, simple ingredients with refined flavours, and local flavours with global inspirations. It is not only a delicious meal, but also an opportunity to be creative in the kitchen and explore the richness of the culinary world.