On those chilly evenings when you need something warm and filling, a good fish stew can really hit the spot. Between work, family commitments, and everything else life throws our way, finding time to cook a satisfying dinner often feels impossible. That’s where this haddock stew comes in – it’s a straightforward, comforting dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or a long list of fancy ingredients. This recipe brings together tender chunks of haddock, vegetables, and herbs in a light broth that’s both filling and easy on the wallet.
Ingredient Substitutions
For the white fish, alternatives like pollock, halibut, or even firm tofu can be used to accommodate different tastes or dietary needs. These options maintain a similar texture and mild flavor profile. Adjust cooking time slightly for thicker or thinner fillets.
Espelette pepper can be replaced with a mix of sweet paprika and cayenne pepper to achieve a similar flavor and heat level. Start with a 3:1 ratio of paprika to cayenne and adjust to taste. This substitution allows for customization of spice intensity.
Chickpeas can be substituted with white beans or lentils for a different texture or nutritional profile. These alternatives provide similar protein content and work well in stews. Cooking times may vary slightly, so monitor and adjust as needed to ensure proper tenderness.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 35-45 minutes |
| Total Time | 45-60 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1400
- Protein: 85-95 g
- Fat: 50-60 g
- Carbohydrates: 150-160 g
Ingredients
For the stew:
- 5 cups stock (chicken, vegetable, or seafood)
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 tbsp espelette pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- crushed red pepper, as desired
- 15 oz can chickpeas (rinsed and drained, I like Goya brand)
- 2 tbsp tomato concentrate
- salt, as desired
- black pepper, as desired
- 6 oz can pitted green olives (drained)
- 1 tbsp mild-flavored oil (like grapeseed or sunflower oil)
- 1 lb baby yellow potatoes (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 lb white fish (cod or haddock, cut into 2-inch pieces)
For serving:
- lemon juice, as desired
- fresh parsley, as desired (finely chopped)
- crusty bread, as desired
- chives, as desired (freshly snipped)
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Potatoes
Heat the oil in a wide pot over medium heat.
Once hot, add the onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to sweat.
Next, add the potatoes and cook, occasionally turning, for 6–8 minutes until they develop golden edges.
Season the mixture all over with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Create a Flavor Base
Create a well in the middle of the pot and melt the butter.
Once melted, add the piment d’Espelette and stir it into the butter.
Incorporate the tomato paste, mashing it into the butter.
Cook for 45 seconds or until fragrant.
Toss to coat the potatoes and onions in the mixture and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the paste deepens in color.
Add crushed red pepper to taste.
Step 3: Simmer with Chickpeas and Stock
Pour in the chickpeas and the water or stock.
Season with salt and pepper, using more liberally if using water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
Let it simmer for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are just shy of fork-tender.
Step 4: Add Olives and Fish
Add the olives to the pot and stir to incorporate them into the mixture.
Place the fish on top and drizzle it with extra virgin olive oil.
Season the fish with salt and pepper.
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 8–10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Depending on the thickness of the fish, you may need to simmer for up to 12 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, gently break the fish up into pieces.
Add parsley and lemon juice if you like for extra freshness.
Ladle the mixture into bowls and garnish with more minced parsley or chives.
Serve with a slice of crusty bread if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful fish stew!
