Discover Iceland's most treasured and deeply comforting national dish — Plokkfiskur!
This spectacular Icelandic Fish Stew features flaky tender cod simmered with colorful baby potatoes and onions in a gloriously rich and creamy broth made with heavy cream, grated Emmentaler cheese, butter, and a brilliant touch of S&B curry powder for a wonderfully modern and deeply satisfying twist on this beloved traditional dish!
Serve with crusty baguettes and a fresh salad for the ultimate cozy Icelandic dining experience right in your own home!
Jump to:
- This Fish Stew From Iceland Is One Of The Best Icelandic Recipes!
- What Is Icelandic Fish Stew Called In Iceland?
- A Modern Take On Plokkfiskur
- What Ingredients Are Needed To Make This Icelandic Recipe?
- Easy Instructions!
- What To Serve With Icelandic Fish Stew
- Some Other Icelandic Recipes You May Enjoy!
- The Great Icelandic Fish Stew!
This Fish Stew From Iceland Is One Of The Best Icelandic Recipes!
The fish stew pictured above is not just any fish stew. This is Icelandic fish stew (with a bit of a twist). Now, Icelanders know a thing about fish. Fish is one of the main foods that sustains Icelanders.
You'll absolutely want to make this dish for the following reasons:
- First off, it's simply delicious!
- It's super easy to make with only a few ingredients needed
- Hearty and comforting, this stew is perfect for warming up on a cold day
- It's rich and creamy with the addition of some Emmentaler cheese as well as cream
- Perfect for lovers of fish, especially cod or haddock!
- You'd like to try an awesome Icelandic recipe!
What Is Icelandic Fish Stew Called In Iceland?
Icelanders call this stew Plokkfiskur. Plokkfiskur actually means "plucked fish" and it is a very traditional dish in this magnificent North Atlantic island.
It is also called "Icelandic Fish Pie," and some versions I have seen are much more dense and casserole-like.
Whatever the name, this dish is significant to the people of Iceland. From grapevine.is: "at its essence, Plokkfiskur is about making the most of straightforward ingredients and providing something hearty and nourishing for hard-working people. Simple and satisfying, many would argue that Plokkfiskur is the best way to enjoy the catch of the day."
A Modern Take On Plokkfiskur
There are many versions of Plokkfiskur, however they pretty much all contain fish, onions, and potatoes.
I offer a modern take on Icelandic fish stew. In addition to the basics, I add some curry powder for a bit of a kick. And instead of milk, I include cream and some Emmentaler cheese for extra richness. 🧀
What Ingredients Are Needed To Make This Icelandic Recipe?
The ingredients you will need to make Plokkfiskur are:
- Cod (or haddock)
- Onions
- Baby potatoes (I used a colorful medley for extra appeal)
- Chicken or fish stock
- Cream
- Butter
- Curry powder (I highly suggest S&B Curry Powder)
- Emmentaler cheese
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Green onions - as a garnish
Now all you need is about 30-40 minutes to get this hearty fish stew on the table to enjoy!
Easy Instructions!
Making Icelandic fish stew is SUPER EASY! Here we go!
Begin by placing your cod or haddock in a large skillet that has a cover. Add water to cover the fish, some salt, then bring to the boil and simmer on medium for around 10 minutes. When finished the fish will be nice and flaky.
While the fish is cooking, in a separate pot sauté diced onions in butter until softened. Then you will add the stock and potatoes. Bring this to the boil, and then simmer until the potatoes are fork tender (around 20 minutes).
Try to ensure that the potatoes are fairly uniform in size. If you are using baby potatoes, then you may need to cut any larger ones in half so that they are about the same size.
Lastly, it's time to add the fish and the wonderful seasonings and creamy ingredients!
Stir to combine, and get ready to feast on this DELISH fish stew!
What To Serve With Icelandic Fish Stew
I recommend recommend serving this hearty fish stew with bread and a lovely salad to go along with it.
This is a delightful fish stew which your whole family will love! Don't forget to garnish with some green onions. 😀
Some Other Icelandic Recipes You May Enjoy!
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Skál!
Grace
The Great Icelandic Fish Stew!
Equipment
- Large covered skillet to cook the fish
- large pot to cook the stew
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod can also use haddock
- 1 onion large
- 1 lb baby potatoes I used a colorful medley! Try to keep the potatoes a uniform size, so you may need to cut some of the larger ones down. Can also use russet potatoes (peeled and cut into smallish pieces)
- 3.5 cups chicken or fish stock may add additional ½ cup to make 4 cups if you prefer more broth
- ½ cup heavy cream can use milk if you prefer
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 1 ts curry powder S&B is a great one to use!
- 1 cup Emmentaler cheese grated
- salt to taste and also to cook the fish wish
- pepper to taste
- green onions sliced as a nice garnish!
Instructions
- Begin by placing your cod or haddock in a large skillet that has a cover. Add water to cover the fish, and around ½ ts salt, then bring to the boil and simmer on medium (covered) for around 10 minutes. When finished the fish will be nice and flaky. Drain the water from the fish.
- While the fish is cooking, in a separate pot melt the butter on medium high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté around 5 minutes until softened.
- Then you will add the stock and potatoes. Bring this to the boil, and then simmer (uncovered) until the potatoes are fork tender (around 20 minutes).
- Next add the cooked fish to the pot and stir to break it up a bit.
- Lastly, it's time to add the cream, grated Emmentaler, and curry powder. Stir to combine, then add salt and pepper to taste!
- Enjoy this delicious and hearty stew with some nice crusty bread!
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