This fish, saffron and tomato stew is a comforting yet elegant one-pot meal that brings together tender fish, fragrant saffron, and a rich tomato-based broth. It’s hearty enough for a family dinner, yet refined enough to serve when you want something a little special without extra effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stew is warming, nourishing, and full of layered flavors that taste like they took hours to develop. It’s made in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. The combination of salmon and firm white fish gives a perfect balance of richness and lightness, while saffron adds a subtle aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish. It’s also easy to customize with seasonal vegetables or different types of fish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium brown onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 small leek, thinly sliced
1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced, fronds reserved
1 celery stalk, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
800 g canned diced tomatoes
2 cups fish stock
2 cups cold water
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (about a large pinch)
200 g chat potatoes, quartered
200 g salmon fillet, skin removed and chopped into large pieces
400 g boneless firm white fish fillets, chopped into large pieces
Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, leek, fennel, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant without browning.

Pour in the white wine, if using, and allow it to simmer for 1–2 minutes so the alcohol cooks off slightly. Add the diced tomatoes, fish stock, cold water, saffron threads, and potatoes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the broth has slightly thickened. Gently add the salmon and white fish pieces, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily.

Remove from the heat, sprinkle with the reserved fennel fronds, and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 25 minutes.
Cooking time is about 35 minutes.
Total time from start to finish is around 1 hour.

Variations

You can swap the salmon for more firm white fish if you prefer a lighter stew. Adding a pinch of chili flakes will give the dish a gentle heat. For extra vegetables, try including zucchini slices or green beans during the simmering stage. If you like a richer broth, stir in a small splash of cream just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Allow the stew to cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat until just hot, stirring carefully to avoid breaking up the fish. You can also freeze the stew for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

FAQs

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the base of the stew without the fish and refrigerate it for up to a day, then add the fish when reheating.

What type of white fish works best?

Firm varieties such as cod, hoki, or pollock hold their shape well in the stew.

Is saffron necessary?

Saffron adds a unique aroma and flavor, but you can omit it if unavailable and still enjoy a tasty stew.

Can I use frozen fish?

Yes, just make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before adding it to the stew.

How do I avoid overcooking the fish?

Add the fish at the very end and cook only until it flakes easily, usually about 5 minutes.

Can I make this dairy-free?

The recipe is naturally dairy-free as written.

What can I serve with this stew?

Crusty bread or steamed rice pairs well and helps soak up the flavorful broth.

Can I thicken the stew more?

Let it simmer uncovered a little longer, or lightly mash a few potato pieces into the broth.

Is this stew suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s mild and wholesome, making it suitable for the whole family.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just use a larger pot and allow a little extra simmering time.

Conclusion

This fish, saffron and tomato stew is a wonderful example of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly satisfying. With its balanced flavors, nourishing qualities, and flexible nature, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to whenever you want a comforting meal that still feels special.

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