Dalmatinski Brudet (Dalmatian Fish Stew with Polenta)
In short: Chunks of firm white fish simmered in a tomato, white wine and garlic broth, served with creamy polenta, a coastal classic from Dalmatia. It takes about 1 h 20 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 55 min
- Total
- 1 h 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 500 kcal
Brudet is the fish stew of the Dalmatian coast, cooked by fishermen and families all along the shore. Several kinds of fish, onions, garlic, tomato, white wine and a splash of vinegar simmer in olive oil, and the pot is never stirred, only shaken, so the fish stays whole. Polenta soaks up the broth. Use whatever firm white fish is freshest.
Instructions
- Salt the fish lightly and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Cut it into large chunks if needed.
- Heat the oil in a wide heavy pan over medium heat. Cook the onions for 10 minutes, stirring, until very soft and golden. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, wine, vinegar, bay leaves, pepper and 200 ml (3/4 cup) water. Simmer for 15 minutes, until the broth is slightly thickened.
- Add the firmest fish first, such as monkfish, and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the rest in a single layer, cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes more, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily at 63°C (145°F). Shake the pan rather than stirring.
- Meanwhile, bring 750 ml (3 cups) of salted water to a boil for the polenta. Whisk in the cornmeal in a thin stream and cook over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring often, until thick and creamy. Stir in the oil.
- Sprinkle the stew with parsley and serve with the polenta.
Tips
- Use at least two kinds of firm white fish, such as monkfish, cod, snapper or sea bass. Add the firmer fish first and the delicate fish later, so everything finishes together.
- Shake the pan instead of stirring, so the fish stays in large pieces. The stew tastes better after a 30-minute rest and is even good the next day.
Questions and answers
What fish is best for brudet?
Firm white fish that holds its shape: monkfish, cod, conger, scorpion fish, snapper or sea bass. A mix of two or three kinds gives the richest broth.
Can I make brudet without wine?
Yes. Replace the wine with fish stock or water and add a little extra vinegar for acidity.
What can I serve instead of polenta?
Crusty bread for dipping or boiled potatoes work well. In Dalmatia, polenta is the traditional partner for soaking up the broth.
How long does it take to make Dalmatinski Brudet (Dalmatian Fish Stew with Polenta)?
About 1 h 20 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 55 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Dalmatinski Brudet (Dalmatian Fish Stew with Polenta)?
About 500 kcal per serving, with 45 g of protein, 40 g of carbohydrates and 16 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 500 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 45 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 1200 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
