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Kakavia
Kakavia: the island fisherman's soup of mixed fish, potatoes, olive oil and lemon
Kakavia takes its name from the three-legged pot fishermen in the Cyclades set on the beach, filling it with the small, bony fish they couldn't sell, seawater, onions, potatoes and a generous pour of olive oil. Today island tavernas and families make it with a mix of firm white fish, and serve the broth first with lemon, then the fish and potatoes on a platter. It is clean, golden and comforting, best with crusty bread. Common mistake: stirring once the fish goes in, which breaks it into shreds; shake the pot instead. Chef's tip: simmer the heads and bones first for the broth, then poach the fillets in it briefly so they stay in whole pieces.
- Total time
- 80 min
- Difficulty
- medium
- Serves
- 6
Ingredients
For the broth
For the soup
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What you'll need
Spices & pantry
Fresh ingredients (10)
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Method
0/6 doneStep 1: Put 1 ¾ lb fish heads and bones, 8 ¼ cups water, 1 onion, 1 celery stalk, 1 bay leaf and 8 black peppercorns in a large pot. Bring slowly to a simmer, skim, and cook gently for 25 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve.
30 minStep 2: In a clean wide pot, warm ½ cup extra virgin olive oil over a medium heat and soften 2 onions for 5 minutes without browning.
5 minStep 3: Add 1 ⅓ lb potatoes, 2 carrots, 1 ripe tomato, 2 tsp salt and the strained broth. Simmer for 15–18 minutes, until the potatoes are just tender.
18 minStep 4: Lay 2 lb firm white fish fillets on top, lower the heat and poach gently for 6–8 minutes, shaking the pot now and then, until the fish is opaque all the way through and flakes when pressed.
8 minStep 5: Lift the fish and vegetables onto a warm platter. Stir 2 lemons into the broth off the heat and taste for salt.
Step 6: Serve the broth in bowls with the fish and potatoes alongside, scattered with ⅓ oz flat-leaf parsley if you like.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 410 kcal
- Protein
- 33 g
- Carbs
- 25 g
- Fat
- 19 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does kakavia take?
- About 80 minutes in total: 25 minutes to prepare and 55 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 6 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of onion?
- 2 shallots per onion.
- What can I use instead of black peppercorns?
- Ground black pepper, a little less than the amount.
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