Hearty Spanish Fish Stew with Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Nights

Simmering with coastal flavors, this hearty Spanish fish stew with potatoes brings Mediterranean warmth to your kitchen.

Tender white fish nestles among golden potato chunks, releasing an aromatic melody of spices and herbs.

Each spoonful carries the essence of Spanish coastal traditions, where fishermen crafted simple yet deeply satisfying meals.

Fresh seafood blends seamlessly with robust tomato broth, creating a comforting dish that speaks of sun-drenched shores.

Garlic, paprika, and bay leaves dance together, infusing the stew with layers of rich, complex flavor.

The recipe promises a culinary journey that transports you straight to the vibrant coastlines of Spain.

Dive into this soul-warming stew and let its robust flavors tell a story of maritime heritage.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 38-40 minutes

Total Time: 48-50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Fish Stew Ingredients That Bring Spanish Flavor

• Olive Oil: Adds rich, smooth foundation for sautéing vegetables and enhancing overall taste.
• Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic base that builds depth in the stew.
• Garlic: Delivers powerful, pungent kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Fennel: Introduces subtle, delicate anise-like undertone with crisp texture.

• Smoked Paprika, Sweet Paprika: Creates complex, smoky and warm undertones that define Spanish cuisine.
• Chili Flakes: Adds gentle heat and vibrant warmth to the stew.
• Salt, Pepper: Balances and enhances all flavor profiles.

• White Fish Fillets: Provides delicate, flaky protein that absorbs surrounding flavors.
• Prawns: Brings sweet, oceanic richness and tender texture to the dish.
• Chickpeas: Offers hearty, creamy element with protein-packed nutrition.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens and cuts through rich flavors with fresh, zesty acidity.

• Potatoes: Creates substantial, comforting base with soft, absorbing texture.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Builds rich, slightly acidic sauce foundation.
• Fish Stock: Deepens maritime essence and creates smooth liquid base.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds final fresh, herbaceous garnish with vibrant color.

Tools That Help You Stew Fish Just Right

• Large pan with lid: Essential for cooking the entire stew and managing heat and moisture.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for chopping onions, garlic, fennel, and parsley with precision.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of spices and seasonings.
• Fish spatula or regular spatula: Useful for gently placing fish and handling seafood during cooking.
• Serving ladle: Perfect for transferring the hot stew from pan to serving bowls.

How to Simmer Spanish Stew with Potatoes

• Aromatic Base

Start by warming olive oil in a spacious pot. Drop in onions and let them soften into a golden, translucent landscape of flavor.

• Flavor Builders

Introduce garlic and fennel, allowing them to dance and release their fragrant essence into the oil.

• Potato Foundation

Tumble cubed potatoes into the pan, creating a hearty base. Cover and let them slowly transform and absorb the surrounding spices.

• Spice Symphony

Dust the potatoes with smoky paprika and a whisper of chili, creating a warm, vibrant canvas of flavor.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in lemon juice, crushed tomatoes, and rich fish stock. Let everything meld together in a gentle simmer until potatoes become tender.

• Seafood Finale

Fold in chickpeas and succulent prawns. Nestle white fish fillets gently on top, allowing them to steam and absorb the rich, spicy broth.

• Presentation

Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle fresh parsley across the surface. Serve alongside rustic bread perfect for soaking up the delicious juices.

Tomato and Herb Variations That Work

• Seafood Swap Magic: Experiment with different fish types like cod, haddock, or sea bass to match your taste preferences or local market availability.
• Budget-Friendly Protein Twist: Replace prawns with affordable white fish or add mussels for a delightful seafood variation that won't break the bank.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili flakes to create a mild or fiery stew – start with a pinch and gradually increase heat for personalized flavor intensity.
• Make-Ahead Meal Strategy: This stew tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced depth and richness.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute seafood with firm tofu or plant-based fish alternatives, and use vegetable stock to create a delicious meat-free version of this Spanish-inspired dish.

Serve This Hearty Stew with Rustic Bread

• Seafood Feast Companions: Pair this Spanish fish stew with a crisp white wine like Albariño to enhance the delicate seafood flavors and complement the zesty dish.
• Bread Dipping Delight: Serve with rustic sourdough or traditional Spanish bread, toasted and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful broth.
• Mediterranean Side Kick: Add a simple green salad with mixed herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the stew's hearty and robust profile.
• One-Pot Wonder Presentation: Bring the entire pan directly to the table for a rustic, family-style dining experience that captures the warm, communal spirit of Spanish cooking.

Storing Your Stew for Full Flavor Later

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Always keep the seafood components separate from other ingredients to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing Wisdom: Cool the stew completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Remove fish and prawns before freezing to prevent texture breakdown. Frozen stew can last up to 1 month when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm the stew in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of fish stock or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the delicate seafood texture.
• Ingredient Separation Technique: When meal prepping, keep seafood, potatoes, and sauce in different containers. This approach allows flexible mixing and prevents soggy ingredients, ensuring each component retains its original flavor and texture when reconstructing the dish.

Hearty Spanish Fish Stew with Potatoes

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 48-50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Patatas Pescado stew celebrates Spain’s coastal culinary heritage with tender white fish nestled among silky potatoes. Rich saffron-infused broth and aromatic herbs deliver Mediterranean comfort you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 400 g (1 lb) white fish fillets, skinless and boneless
• 250 g (9 oz) prawns, fresh or frozen
• 125 g (4.5 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 3 medium potatoes, cut in ½ inch cubes
• 1 x 400 g (14 oz) tin chopped tomatoes
• 250 ml (8.5 fl oz) fish stock
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• ½ fennel bulb, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tsps smoked paprika
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• ¼ tsp chili flakes
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, to garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing onions until translucent, then add garlic and fennel, allowing their flavors to bloom for one minute.
2. Potato Preparation: Introduce cubed potatoes to the skillet, coating them with smoked paprika, sweet paprika, and red chili flakes, creating a spice-laden foundation while encouraging subtle caramelization.
3. Liquid Infusion: Pour lemon juice, crushed tomatoes, and fish stock into the mixture, creating a vibrant, aromatic base. Cover and simmer, transforming potatoes into tender, flavor-packed morsels.
4. Protein Integration: Fold chickpeas into the simmering stew, then delicately place white fish fillets on top. Reduce heat to low, covering the pan to allow seafood to poach gently until fish becomes opaque and perfectly cooked.
5. Final Flourish: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside crusty, olive oil-drizzled bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Potato Caramelization Technique: Low and slow cooking develops deeper flavor profiles and creates golden-brown edges for enhanced texture.
• Spice Distribution Strategy: Evenly coat ingredients with spices before liquid addition to maximize flavor penetration and aromatic intensity.
• Fish Poaching Precision: Maintain low heat and cover during seafood cooking to prevent overcooking and preserve delicate protein tenderness.
• Fresh Herb Finishing: Add chopped parsley just before serving to preserve vibrant color, fresh flavor, and introduce bright herbal notes to the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 38-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg