Brudet is a fish stew from Croatia, similar to an Italian Brodetto or Greek Bourdeto. All three are based on the Venetian word brodeto (“broth”). The recipes for each dish are similar; in fact, if you ever find yourself traveling along the Adriatic coast and see a similarly-named dish on a restaurant menu, you can probably bet it’s going to be a delicious fish stew cooked in a tomato base.
While there is a lot of variation to this dish, I like the Croatian version because it is an easy and unassuming approach to making soup. Marinate some fish for a while, then throw everything together at the proper time; it’s a true one-pot dish. Traditionally this dish is made with a mixture of fishes, to include eel, rockling, or coral trout; since they’re hard to come by, I think any firm white fish should be okay. I used cod. Adding shrimp and mussels also gives the stew a more rich and satisfying flavor.
Serves four
1 lb firm white fish filets (cod, trout, halibut, or any combination), cut into 2″ pieces
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
6 cloves garlic, minced
juice of 1/2 lemon (1 tbsp)
1/4 cup chopped parsley
for later:
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup white wine
2 bay leaves
2 cups fish stock or water
salt and pepper to taste, about 1/2 tsp each
1 lb raw shrimp, shelled
1 lb mussels, washed and scrubbed
10 cherry tomatoes
While water can be used to make the soup, adding a couple cups of fish stock really takes it to another level. To make stock, sauté some onions, carrots, and celery in butter until softened, then add fish bones/heads, some peppercorns, and enough water to cover everything; simmer for 40 minutes, add a little white wine, then strain. Easy.
The fish takes some marinating, so let’s knock that out first. Combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 6 cloves minced garlic, lemon juice, and the chopped parsley, then rub it all over the fish pieces. Cover and put in the fridge; marinate for 2 hours.
Once the fish is done marinating, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet on medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add the onion slices and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Once the onions are softened, add the chopped tomatoes and sauté until they are softened and cooked down, another 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste, white wine, and bay leaves and return to a simmer. Taste and add salt and pepper to you liking.
Add the fish and enough stock or water to cover the fish, about 2 cups; return to a simmer, and let it bubble for about a minute before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Add the shrimp, mussels, and cherry tomatoes; simmer until the fish is cooked through and the mussels open, about 5-6 minutes. Don’t stir the pot, but shake it back and forth if needed to redistribute everything. And whatever you do, don’t cover the pot; locals believe that covering the pot will dilute its taste.
Sprinkle on a little more parsley if you’re up for it, and serve. This dish is often served with polenta, but I think it’s just fine as it is.
what a wonderful meal, thank you! I can almost smell it : )
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This is a great meal! I’ve had it while visiting relatives in Croatia and it’s delicious, especially with fresh fish!
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Looks delicious! Would love to try.
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yum yum! A must try and that’s for sure! :)
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Such a beautiful bowl! I adore seafood soup of any kind and this is an amazing variation! I just discovered you blog and I’m a fan. I’ll definitely be back. Thanks for a great post!
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Looks amazing! I must try your recipe!
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I’ll try this one! It looks geat! I can almost smell it!
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This looks lovely, and like at least one other of your respondents, I can smell the aromas! I shall have to play with this one. Soon!
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This looks insanely good can’t wait to try this!
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I’m so excited to make this weekend with the fresh Halibut I got while in Alaska! :)
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Awesome, let me know how it turns out!
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Reblogged this on Hardcore Healthy.
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Hey Russ! This dish looks amazing! I am moving to the former Yugoslavia area (most likely Slovenia) soon and I am so excited about the food in that region of the world. I think I will make this for the hubby for our anniversary next month! Thanks for the recipe!
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Thanks Christine! Wow, enjoy your move, I’m super jealous! I speak a smattering of Slovene but haven’t had the opportunity to practice it.
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Thanks for a great recipe…We Croatians loved it…Latino and Mario from Cleveland Ohio
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Beyond delicious. This has to be one of my favourite dishes. It’s making me crave it now and it’s only breakfast time at the moment. Ahhh
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Awesome, glad you like it!
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This was awesome! I had to sub shallots for garlic due to the most ridiculous allergy ever and omit the nightshades, but it still tasted great. As with all seafood, I had to double the amount of mussels so my 7-year old could “get enough”. Winner!
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Erin, awesome to hear!
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I’m SO glad to read that your 7 year old liked this! I’m trolling looking for recipes I can try with my 8 year old. I also loved the “most ridiculous allergy ever”- I feel that way about some of mine.
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It is so nice to see a recipe from my country on your blog! :) All the best to you and your family from Croatia!
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