Icelandic fish creamy stew (Print-Friendly)

Tender fish and soft potatoes simmered in a creamy, herb-spiced broth for a hearty dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish & Dairy

01 - 1 lb cod or haddock fillets, skinless and boneless
02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 cups whole milk
04 - ⅓ cup plus 1 tbsp heavy cream

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 lb potatoes, peeled and diced
06 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 bay leaf
10 - 1 tsp salt
11 - ½ tsp ground white pepper
12 - Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a saucepan, place fish fillets and cover with water. Add bay leaf and a pinch of salt. Simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily. Remove fish and reserve ⅓ cup of poaching liquid. Discard bay leaf.
03 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
04 - Add cooked potatoes to the pot and gently mash, leaving some chunks for texture.
05 - Flake poached fish into large pieces and add to the pot with reserved poaching liquid. Stir gently to combine.
06 - Pour in whole milk and heavy cream. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through and creamy without boiling.
07 - Season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg if using. Stir in half of the parsley and chives, reserving the rest for garnish.
08 - Serve hot, sprinkled with remaining herbs. Optionally accompany with dark rye bread and butter.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour, but tastes like you've been tending to it all day.
  • The potatoes break down just enough to thicken the cream while keeping their shape, creating that perfect balance between rustic and refined.
  • One pot becomes a whole meal, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.
02 -
  • Don't let the cream boil or it will separate and taste grainy—keep the heat low and stir often once the dairy goes in.
  • The poaching liquid from the fish carries flavor that makes the difference between adequate and memorable, so reserve it and use it.
03 -
  • Make this ahead and reheat it gently over low heat—it often tastes better the next day when the flavors have had time to settle together.
  • Keep a spare cube of butter to finish the stew just before serving; it adds a shine and makes the whole thing taste richer than it is.
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