Black Sea-Inspired Fish Stew with Tomatoes and Paprika
A hearty seafood stew drawing flavors from the Black Sea region, simmered with fresh tomatoes, smoky paprika, and aromatic herbs. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe (gluten free), ready in about 40 minutes, pairs olive oil, onion, finely chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb firm white fish fillets (e.g., cod or halibut), cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup fish stock or water
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- for serving lemon wedges
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced red bell pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp salt, cooking for 30 seconds to release the aroma.
- Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup dry white wine, and 1 cup fish stock or water. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Gently add 1 lb firm white fish pieces to the pot, cover, and simmer over low heat for 8-10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill and adjust seasoning with 1/2 tsp black pepper and more salt if needed.
- Step 7: Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the stew.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Black Sea-Inspired Fish Stew with Tomatoes and Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Black Sea-Inspired Fish Stew with Tomatoes and Paprika?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Black Sea-Inspired Fish Stew with Tomatoes and Paprika?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Black Sea-Inspired Fish Stew with Tomatoes and Paprika for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Black Sea-Inspired Fish Stew with Tomatoes and Paprika gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
