Classic Sicilian Halibut Fish Stew

Now, I don’t know about you but for me, the best way to warm up during chilly weather is a warm bowl of hearty stew. Like this Sicilian Halibut Fish Stew. Filled with various fresh veggies and tender halibut bites. Ooh, you can feel it warm you up from the inside like a good hug!

The stew is packed with rich flavor, thanks to the harmony of Mediterranean-inspired aromatics in it. Today, we’re doing it the way my mom has been making it for as long as I can remember. She and my dad celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in Sicily where they stayed at a bed and breakfast owned by this kind old couple.

So, come lunchtime the next day they are served this delightful fish stew that my dad instantly loved. My mom being the sweet creature that she is, asked the old lady what the stew is and how to make it. To her surprise, she gave my mom the recipe! Best believe it was the first dish she made when they came back from the trip.

How To Make Classic Sicilian Halibut Fish Stew:

• Start by sautéing the celery, onion, garlic, zucchini, and carrots in olive oil heated up in a large stockpot on medium heat. Add salt and pepper, as needed. Let the veggies cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender and aromatic. Stir occasionally.

• Deglaze the pot using the white wine and make sure to scrape off the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon to get all the brown bits. Stir to fully incorporate and allow it to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes.

• Gradually add the fish stock then the chopped tomatoes. Allow it to go on a rapid boil and immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Place the lid of the pot and leave it to simmer for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally.

• Remove the lid then toss in the green beans and halibut. Place the lid back on and continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes more until the halibut becomes flakey and the beans have slightly softened up.

• Add the zest and juice of one lemon and stir in the chopped parsley. Take the pot off the heat and readjust seasoning as needed.

• Garnish with pine nuts before serving. Best served while still warm with a side of baguette slices or a simple salad. It can also be served with a cup of rice or couscous.

Classic Sicilian Halibut Fish Stew

Yield: 4-6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

A perfectly balanced combination of your classic Sicilian flavors in a warm bowl of Halibut Fish Stew. Made with tender halibut chunks, aromatics, various veggies plus lemon and parsley to add zestiness to the stew.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 2 cups fish stock
• 3 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes (do not drain)
• 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and quartered
• 1 lb. halibut fillets, skinned and chopped
• ¾ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large lemon, juice, and zest
• ¼ cup pine nuts

Instructions

1. Place a large stockpot on medium heat and sauté the celery, onion, garlic, zucchini, and carrots in olive oil. Add salt and pepper, as needed. Let the veggies cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender and aromatic. Stir occasionally.
2. Using the white wine, deglaze the pot and make sure to scrape off the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon to get all the brown bits. Stir to fully incorporate the ingredients and allow it to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Gradually pour the fish stock and the chopped tomatoes. Leave it to go on a rapid boil and immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Place the lid of the pot and leave it to simmer for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Remove the lid then toss in the green beans and halibut. Place the lid back on and continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes more until the halibut becomes flakey and the beans have slightly softened up. 
   
   

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 359Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 598mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 5gSugar: 9gProtein: 33g

Nothing beats a warm, homecooked bowl of stew filled with rich Sicilian flavors. I’m telling you now, snap at least a photo or two for the ‘gram before serving this Sicilian Halibut Fish Stew. Now I want to hear about your ideas, what would you pair with this dish? Let me know in the comments down below!