Sevastopol Black Sea Fish Stew with Tomatoes and Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty fish stew inspired by the coastal flavors of Crimea, combining fresh white fish, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs for a comforting meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 45 minutes pairs white fish fillets (cod or pollock), olive oil, medium, finely diced onion 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 a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 medium chopped ripe tomatoes, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 8 minutes until tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and 2 cups fish stock or water, add 1 bay leaf, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  5. Step 5: Season the broth with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then add 1 lb white fish fillets cut into 2-inch pieces. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  6. Step 6: Remove the bay leaf, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sevastopol Black Sea Fish Stew with Tomatoes and Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Sevastopol Black Sea Fish Stew with Tomatoes and Herbs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sevastopol Black Sea Fish Stew with Tomatoes and Herbs?

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 Sevastopol Black Sea Fish Stew with Tomatoes and Herbs 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.

What goes well with Sevastopol Black Sea Fish Stew with Tomatoes and Herbs?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.