Riblja Čorba sa Skadarskog Jezera (Lake Skadar Tangy Fish, Carrot & Paprika Soup) – Authentic Montenegro Recipe

Ingredients for Riblja Čorba sa Skadarskog Jezera (Lake Skadar Tangy Fish, Carrot & Paprika Soup) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) white fish fillets, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups finely grated carrots, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup celery
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with sweet paprika
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Montenegro seasoning (tomato paste, garlic, fresh dill and parsley)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and sweet paprika for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, fresh dill and parsley and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Montenegro's kitchen.
3. Add white fish fillets and finely grated carrots, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
4. Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
5. Fold in celery, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.