Rybí Polévka (Czech Fish Soup)

Ingredients

• 1 lb freshwater fish
• 2 medium carrots
• 1 large onions
• 2 medium potatoes
• 2 leaves bay leaves
• 1 bunch parsley
• 6 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 whole lemon

Instructions

1. 1

   Clean and gut the freshwater fish, then cut it into large pieces.

2. 2

   Peel and chop the carrots and potatoes into small cubes. Dice the onion.

3. 3

   In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until translucent.

4. 4

   Add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the pot, stirring occasionally for an additional 5 minutes.

5. 5

   Pour in 6 cups of water, then add the fish pieces, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

6. 6

   Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

7. 7

   After simmering, remove the fish pieces gently and set them aside. Strain the broth to remove vegetables and bay leaves.

8. 8

   Return the strained broth to the pot. Flake the fish into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones, and add it back to the broth.

9. 9

   Chop the parsley and add it to the soup. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon for added flavor.

10. 10

    Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

11. 11

    Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.