Dive into a bowl of Mediterranean bliss with our Slow Cooker Fish Fennel Couscous Stew! This hearty, aromatic dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. With tender white fish, vibrant fennel, and fluffy couscous, each bite transports you to sun-kissed shores and bustling markets. Ready to impress your family or guests with minimal effort? Let this recipe guide you through a culinary journey that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb white fish fillets
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 bulb fennel, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the fennel bulb and onion into small pieces, and mince the garlic cloves. Rinse the white fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large slow cooker, add the chopped fennel, onion, and minced garlic. Stir to combine the vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (including their juice). Mix everything together gently.
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Next, carefully place the fish fillets on top of the vegetable and broth mixture in the slow cooker. Do not stir at this point, as you want to keep the fish intact.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the fish to become tender.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, prepare the couscous. In a separate pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the couscous and a pinch of salt, then remove from heat. Cover the pot and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the couscous has absorbed all the water.
- After the 4 hours of cooking, carefully remove the lid of the slow cooker. Using a fork, gently flake the fish into bite-sized pieces and stir it into the stew, being cautious not to break it apart too much.
- Finally, fluff the couscous with a fork and serve it in bowls topped with the fish and fennel stew. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired Slow Cooker Fish Fennel Couscous Stew!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Fish: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh white fish fillets like cod or tilapia. If using frozen fish, ensure it's fully thawed before cooking.
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop the fennel, onion, and garlic the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This way, you can simply toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning.
- Layering Flavors: Don't skip the step of placing the fish on top of the vegetables. This helps the fish cook gently and absorb the delicious broth without breaking apart.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrients. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as denser vegetables may require longer cooking.
- Perfect Couscous: To achieve fluffy couscous, remember to let it sit covered for the full 5 minutes after boiling. This allows it to steam and absorb all the water properly.
- Garnish for Flair: Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving to enhance the dish's presentation and flavor.
- Leftovers: This stew stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep. Just reheat gently on the stove to preserve the fish's texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
