This classic Spanish fish & tomato stew, known as guiso de bacalao con tomate y patatas, is what honest home cooking is all about. We’re talking a ton of amazing flavors, super easy to make, and all done in about 40 minutes using just one pan.
To make this recipe, I used frozen cod fillets I bought frozen and thawed out. You can also use the fresh stuff here. As well as any other type of firm white fish. As for the liquid, I used fish broth. But chicken broth or vegetable broth can also be used.
What flavors this dish are the spices and herbs. I used a combination of sweet smoked paprika, dried thyme, and Spanish saffron. If you want you, can add a little heat. A dash of chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes will do the trick.
TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: You can serve this dish warm or even at room temperature. It will hold for up to 3 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer in an airtight container. Just add in more liquid when reheating if it looks too dry.
Key Ingredients & Cookware I used in this Recipe:
MY COOKWARE
MY CHEF´S KNIFE
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
SPANISH GOLDEN SAFFRON
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Watch the Video Below on How to Make this Classic Spanish Fish & Tomato Stew
Classic Spanish Fish & Tomato Stew | Guiso de Bacalao con Tomate y Patatas
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 45 ml
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 2 celery sticks (thinly sliced)
- 1 carrot (chopped)
- 2 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika 5 grams
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme .50 grams
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz / 425 grams
- 1 1/2 cups fish broth 360 ml
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads .17 grams
- 1 lbs baby gold potatoes 450 grams
- 3 cod fillets 8 oz / 225 grams each
- 1 tbsp lemon juice 15 ml
- sea salt & black pepper
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Heat a large fry pan or stock pot with a medium heat and add in the olive oil
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After a couple of minutes add in the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrot, mix continuously, after 5 minutes and the vegetables are lightly sauteed, add in the paprika and thyme, quickly mix together, then add in the can of diced tomatoes, fish broth, saffron, and season with salt & pepper, raise to a high heat and give it a gentle mix
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In the meantime, cut the baby potatoes in half, if you are using larger potatoes, just cut them into 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick bite-sized pieces
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Once the broth comes to a boil add in the chopped potatoes, mix together, then place a lid on the pan and lower to a low-medium heat
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While the stew is simmering, add the cod fillets over some paper towels and pat dry, season with salt & pepper, and then cut each fillet into 2 evenly sized pieces for a total of 6 pieces of fish
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After simmering the potatoes for 20 minutes and they are cooked through, you can always pierce them with a toothpick, add the cod fillets over the stew, all in a single layer, then gently flip each one so they're fully coated in all that goodness, then place the lid back on the pan and simmer for 5 minutes or until the fish is cooked through
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Serve directly out of the pan or transfer into shallow bowls, topped off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some chopped parsley, enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Get the Spanish Golden Saffron I used to make this Recipe
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Joe Fagone
05 . Jun . 2025Just made it tonight.
Super easy and like every other meal from SOAF that I’ve made, totally delicious!
Albert has been an inspiration.
Every meal is restaurant quality!
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Thanks for the comment 🙂 Much love
05 . Jun . 2025john fonseca
son of spanish parents born in cuba tried fishand tomatoe stew and pinto beans excelent thanks jr fonseca
01 . Jun . 2025Spain on a Fork
Happy to hear that! Thanks for the comment 🙂 Much love
03 . Jun . 2025Jeannie French
22 . May . 2025Easy to make, lovely recipe. All ingredients were in my freezer or cupboards. Previously made Arroz a La banda which was also simple to make and delicious. Many thanks.
Spain on a Fork
Happy to hear that! Thanks for the comment 🙂 Much love
23 . May . 2025Wendy
16 . May . 2025Made this for tea tonight. Very easy & ingredients were available. So tasty & best of all, one pot. Winner winner. Thank you 😋
Spain on a Fork
Happy to hear that!! Much love 🙂
16 . May . 2025WestTexasBorn
This is a delicious fish stew. I live far from the ocean and don’t often consume fish or seafood. But I will make this dish again!
I am looking forward to using more of your recipes.
15 . May . 2025Spain on a Fork
Happy to hear that! Thanks for the comment 🙂 Much love
15 . May . 2025nemo
14 . May . 2025Another great recipe, thank you for sharing such tasty, healthy and affordable meal ideas. 💐.
Spain on a Fork
Appreciate the comment! Much love 🙂
14 . May . 2025