Coconut Lime Fish Soup

Coconut Lime Fish Soup is a vibrant, tropical dish that’s both refreshing and comforting. The coconut milk creates a creamy base, while the lime and fresh herbs add brightness and balance. Here’s a delicious recipe to make this soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or snapper), cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated or minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced thinly
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 cups fish or vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (to taste)
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1-2 fresh Thai or regular red chilies, sliced (for heat)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Heat the olive oil or coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add the Vegetables:
   • Stir in the sliced red bell pepper and carrot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add Broth and Coconut Milk:
   • Pour in the coconut milk, fish or vegetable broth, and water. Stir to combine.
   • Add the ground coriander, cumin, lime zest, and salt and pepper. If you want some heat, you can add the sliced chilies at this point.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften.
4. Cook the Fish:
   • Add the fish chunks to the pot and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and easily flakes apart with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
5. Finish with Lime and Herbs:
   • Stir in the lime juice and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice to taste.
   • Remove the pot from heat and garnish the soup with fresh cilantro.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the Coconut Lime Fish Soup warm, with a side of crusty bread, steamed rice, or tortilla chips if desired.

Optional Add-ins:

• Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like zucchini, sweet potato, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
• Herbs: Add a few basil or mint leaves for an extra refreshing touch.
• Spices: A pinch of turmeric or curry powder can enhance the soup’s flavor if you want to make it more complex.

This Coconut Lime Fish Soup is a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light dinner or a cozy meal. Enjoy!