Caldo de Pescado — Print Recipe

Caldo de Pescado represents the essence of Colombian coastal cuisine, where the ocean's bounty meets the land's abundance in a harmonious symphony of flavors. This hearty soup showcases the rich maritime heritage of Colombia's Pacific and Caribbean coasts, where fresh fish, yuca, and plantains create a comforting yet vibrant dish. The creamy coconut milk provides a luxurious base that beautifully balances the bright acidity of lime and the earthy warmth of cumin, while the fish chunks remain tender and flaky against the starchy yuca and slightly sweet plantain rounds. The fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish that elevates each spoonful. Traditionally served in communal bowls during family gatherings and festive occasions, this soup embodies the Colombian spirit of sharing and hospitality, often accompanied by crusty bread or rice. Its appearance is a beautiful contrast of golden coconut broth, white fish, and earthy vegetables, creating a visual representation of Colombia's diverse coastal landscape.

Ingredients

2 lbs firm white fish fillets, cut into chunks
1 lb yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into rounds
1 green plantain, peeled and cut into rounds
1 cup coconut milk
4 cups fish stock or water
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 limes, juiced
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1 Bring the fish stock to a boil in a large pot, add the yuca rounds and green plantain pieces, and cook for 15 minutes until they begin to soften.
2 In a separate skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and tomatoes with cumin until they form a fragrant sofrito, about 8 minutes, then add this to the pot.
3 Pour in the coconut milk and stir well, bringing the soup back to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat for another 10 minutes.
4 Add the fish chunks carefully to the simmering broth and cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5 Remove from heat, stir in the fresh lime juice and cilantro, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot in deep bowls with extra lime wedges.

Did You Know?

The word 'caldo' in Colombian Spanish literally means 'soup' but is also used to describe the entire meal, making Caldo de Pescado not just a dish but a complete dining experience that can be served as both a main course and a communal feast, often accompanied by traditional Colombian drinks like 'aguapanela' or 'chicha morada' for a truly authentic coastal meal.