Marmitako is a traditional fish stew from the Basque region of Spain. It is typically made with tuna, potatoes, green bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, and is simmered in a flavorful broth. Marmitako is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are many different recipes for marmitako, but they all share a few common ingredients and techniques. In this article, we will explore the best ways to cook marmitako, and provide you with a few tips and tricks to make the perfect stew.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
MARMITAKO RECIPE
The origins of this fish soup or stew come from the Basque fishing boats, where the appointed cook had to be original and feed everyone with the left overs and trimmings of the day's work. The name marmitako comes from the word 'marmita', a casserole dish used on the fish boats to be able to cook for hungry fishermen. The recipe has developed with time to become more refine but the basics of potatoes and bonito tuna are still there.
Provided by Javier De La Hormaza
Categories Basque Recipes, Recipes, Spanish Soups & Stews
Yield 4 people
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Remove the skin and bones from the tuna. Place these into a strainer and rinse to remove any scales or blood.
- Make a fish stock by sweating gently with a drop of olive oil all the vegetables for 5 minutes, add the fish bones and cover with water. Bring to the boil, skim all impurities and simmer for twelve minutes, strain through a fine sieve and set aside.
- Chop the red onion and green peppers finely, cut the potatoes into irregular 4cm chunks. The best way is to cut into the potato and then break it off with the knife as this helps release the starch which in turn will help thicken the stew.
- Pour 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil into a large pot, heat slowly and add the red onion and green peppers, when the onion is soft add the potatoes and stir with a wooden spoon, cook slowly for 5 minutes to allow the potatoes to release their starch.
- Place a fine strainer over the pot and pour the fish stock to cover the potatoes, if necessary add a little water. Bring to the boil and cook on a moderate heat moving the pot now and again for the potatoes to thicken the stew. Season with salt and add the pimiento choricero.
- The potatoes should take about 15 minutes to cook at a slow heat. Cut the tuna into one 2cm chunks, once the potatoes are cooked add the fish and cook for about 2 or 3 minutes turn off the heat and put a lid on the pot and leave for 5 minutes to rest. Serve immediately.
MARMITAKO - BASQUE TUNA STEW RECIPE
Provided by Albert Bevia @ Spain on a Fork
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Begin by cutting all the vegetables first, finely mince 2 cloves of garlic, finely dice 1/2 of an onion, finely dice 1/2 of a red bell pepper, finely dice 1/2 of a green bell pepper and cut 1 large yukon gold potato into small cubes
- Heat a large stock pot with a medium heat and add a 1/4 cup of extra virgin Spanish olive oil, once the oil get´s hot add the diced onions and minced garlic, mix with the oil and cook for about 4 minutes, then add the diced bell peppers, mix and cook for another 5 minutes, then add the cubed potatoes, mix and cook for another 2 minutes, then add 1 cup of diced tomatoes, season everything with a generous pinch of sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, mix everything together and cook for 2 minutes
- Turn the fire up to a HIGH heat and add 1/2 cup of white wine, about 4 minutes after adding the white wine add 2 1/2 cups of fish broth, once it comes to a boil, place a lid on top and lower the fire to a LOW heat
- While the stew is simmering, season 2 fresh tuna fillets with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides, then cut each one into 1/2 inch cubes
- After leaving the stew to simmer for 20-25 minutes, add the cubed tuna to the stock pot, mix it with the rest of the ingredients, place the lid back on top and cook for another 10 minutes
- Transfer the tuna stew into 2 shallow bowls and garnish each one with fresh parsley
- Enjoy!
MARMITAKO
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 2h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- If using dried peppers, remove the stem and seeds and soak in warm water for 1 hour, or until softened. Drain well, scrape off the flesh and discard skins. If using roasted peppers, remove the charred skin, stems and seeds, and chop. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large casserole. Add the onions and bell peppers and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute another minute to release the aromas. Cover the casserole tightly, reduce the heat to very low, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Uncover the casserole and stir in the paprika and parsley. Increase the heat, add the brandy and flame it. When the flame dies down, stir in the potatoes, carrots, and leeks, and saute 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and saute 2 more minutes. Pour in the stock and wine, and add the chile pepper, and reserved dried pepper flesh. Season with salt and pepper, increase the heat and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Discard the chile pepper halves. Add the tuna to the soup, adjust the seasonings and simmer 3 to 5 minutes. Cover casserole and let sit 5 minutes.
- To serve, ladle warm soup into individual bowls, and float a piece of toasted bread on the top.
Tips:
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your marmitako.
- Don't overcook the fish. Fish cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it or it will become tough.
- Use a variety of vegetables. This will add flavor and color to your marmitako. Some good choices include potatoes, carrots, onions, and peppers.
- Season your marmitako to taste. Add salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. You can also add a bay leaf or two for extra flavor.
- Serve your marmitako with a side of bread or rice. This will help to soak up the delicious broth.
Conclusion:
Marmitako is a delicious and easy-to-make Spanish fish stew. It is a great way to use up leftover fish, and it can be made with a variety of vegetables. This hearty and flavorful stew is perfect for a cold winter day. So next time you're looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, give marmitako a try.
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