Why I Decided to Try Making Sopa Marinera
So last Tuesday felt like a forever rainy day, you know? Totally miserable weather. Was scrolling food videos and suddenly saw this Spanish fish stew popping up everywhere. Looked like warm tomato-y sea heaven with fish chunks swimming in it. Thought heck why not turn my kitchen into a mini Spain for the evening.
The Ingredient Hunt Disaster
First big mistake: assuming I’d find monkfish. Went to three stores and all I got were blank stares when I asked for it. Ended up grabbing cod and shrimp instead. The saffron threads? Nearly choked seeing the price but remembered grandma’s “no skimping on flavor” rule. Oh and forgot parsley! Ran back to store soaking wet after remembering halfway home.
My Not-So-Perfect Cooking Journey
Started chopping onions crying real tears – not the fake TikTok kind. Olive oil in the pot, heard the sizzle. Threw in onions, garlic, then bell peppers. Smelled so good already! Poured in crushed tomatoes and white wine (drank a sip while cooking, obviously). Let it bubble for what felt like ages. Added fish stock and saffron, watched it turn golden.
Here’s where things got messy:
- Tossed shrimp too early like an idiot
- Forgot to time the fish so cod flaked apart when stirring
- Bread crumbs? Whoops completely skipped that step
Panicked when the stew looked watery. Kept boiling extra 15 minutes praying for thickness. Threw in frozen peas last minute because why not.
The Big Tasting Moment
Poured this chunky red mess into bowls. Topped with that pricey saffron threads and my rescued parsley. First spoonful? Heaven! Tomato-sea flavor punched me right in the tastebuds. Shrimp turned out perfect even with my bad timing. That fancy saffron really made it feel special. Only regret? Still dreaming about how monkfish would’ve tasted.
Will I Make This Again?
Heck yes – but smarter next time. Learned you really need firm fish that won’t fall apart. Also setting multiple timers instead of “winging it”. Surprised how much the wine and saffron matter even if they cost a bit. Fed four people for under $20 and got that Spanish vacation feeling without leaving my rainy kitchen.
