Kale Fish Soup Recipe. All Variations

My kale fish soup is my newborn Star!

I made it just before Shabbos, and even while some good stuff was going into the pot, I was still debating what direction I should take it in. My original idea was, make my usual Moroccan Fish Soup, and make a side dish to go with dinner, out of some  goodies I had on had: Kale, shitaki, celery root, zucchini, miso. I was determined to stay clear of the too-traveled fish/tomato path, and go with no tomato product. Being in a perennial tinkering mood, I thought to myself, could I turn these two distinct dishes into a hybrid.

As always since I only use natural unprocessed foods, I was confident it was a calculated risk, as everything made with good real food will turn into a good real dish no matter what. What could possibly happen? Not as good as my original fish soup? Possibly embarrassing myself with my guests? Thank Gd this would never happen, as they know full well I cook from the heart, and even when it is at first sight unfamiliar, the sum total of good stuff is, guaranteed, GOOD STUFF!

Who knew kale could be so delicious, in addition to being so nutritious?

Read this link on Kale, from wellbeingsecrets.com, which gives you the whole scoop on kale, complete with delicious kale-based, dishes, three of them mine!

Not only did I get a fabulous dish, but I have already made this kale fish soup recipe quite elastic, to accommodate both vegetarian and meat variations all equally delicious. All three soups are low carb even while being so hearty, so go ahead and enjoy seconds! As always, I make all my soups with water, so no need to premeditate any step before hunkering down to its preparation. Please do not recoil at the anchovies, and don’t skip them, even if you think you hate them, they will disperse in the soup and leave nothing of their controversial heritage, only a rich and deep layer of flavor.

If you intend to serve this kale fish soup on Friday night, as I did, add the fish at the very last minute before placing the pot on a blech, it cooks practically on contact.

 

Ingredients

  • 1/3 olive oil
  • 2 large onions, cut in eights
  • 6 large cloves garlic
  • 6 ribs celery, peeled
  • 1 large bunch flat parsley
  • 1 large bunch cilantro, tough stems cut off
  • 1 large head celery knob, cut in 1/2 inch dice
  • 4 medium zucchini, cut in 1/2 inch dice
  • 1 bunch kale, stems and leaves, slcied thin
  • 1 pound shitaki, caps only, sliced thin
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 2-3 tablespoons curry powder
  • 3-4 tablespoons canned anchovies (they will dissolve in the soup), rinsed, or anchovy paste straight from a tube or jar. No salt added anywhere
  • 3 quarts (12 cups) water
  • 1 3-pound side boneless skinless salmon, cut in one inch dice

Instructions

Heat the oil in a heavy wide bottom pot. In a food processor, coarsely grind the first set of ingredients, and add to the hot oil. Saute until the mixture is translucent. Add all remaining ingredient except the salmon, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, and cook covered about 1 hour. Stir in the fish and cook just another five minutes. Adjust consistency and seasonings before serving.

Variations:

  • Vegetarian: Above recipe. Omit the fish and anchovies.  Add 2 cups sake when you add all the ingredients,  then stir in 3/4 cup white miso paste toward the end (again, no added salt anywhere). Leave the soup light and brothy and do not be tempted to add a bean or grain.
  • Meat: Above Recipe. Omit the fish and anchovies. When you add all the ingredients, add a large sprig rosemary, 6 bay leaves, and 1 pound natural smoked turkey breast, diced small (again, no added salt anywhere).
5 replies
  1. Jennifer
    Jennifer says:

    Hi Levana,

    I checked out your site after Beverlee Swayze mentioned it. We’re always looking for great holiday and Shabbat recipes, especially for my in-laws, who are pescatarians. My mother-in-law is also on Weight Watchers. Can the oil in this be cut down? It’s always a concern for watching points.

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Lévana
      Lévana says:

      Jennifer Here is my honest answer: My soups are known to be delicious, and I never use broth or stock or anything. Just water. I use on average 1/3 cup oil in a gallon (or more) of soup. If you do the math, the oil accounts for about 30 calories per 1 1/3 cup serving, and guarantees me a wonderful soup, with great texture and flavor. In other words, very little. A big serving of finished soup will have about the number of calories of a cup of yogurt, except it’s closer to a meal. Cutting that oil would compromise the flavor and texture of the soup, and what do you gain? 30 calories? Not too smart, with all due respect. Take those 30 calories out of some other food points where it’s not crucial, and leave them in the soup. You will eat soup more often. Soup is a fantastic diet tool!

  2. Chaya Y.
    Chaya Y. says:

    I must try the Moroccan Fish soup and this yummy sounding version as well. Maybe even this Shabbos night!. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

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