Greek Psarosoupa Recipe (Lemony Fish Soup)
Psarosoupa is a classic Greek lemony fish soup made with tender white fish, vegetables, rice, olive oil, and a silky egg-lemon sauce. It’s simple, comforting, and deeply flavorful, perfect for cold days or when you want something light yet nourishing. This soup is best enjoyed freshly made with plenty of toasted bread on the side.
Ingredients
- 2½ to 3 pounds white fish such as red snapper, cod, or monkfish, scaled and cleaned
- 7 to 8 cups water
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 10 to 15 whole black peppercorns
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup rice
For the egg-lemon sauce:
- 2 egg yolks
- ¼ to ½ cup fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
Place the water, potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, fish, olive oil, peppercorns, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cooked vegetables and fish to a platter.
Strain the broth through a fine strainer to catch any fish bones. Rinse the pot and return the strained broth to it.
Add the rice and ½ teaspoon salt to the broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
While the rice cooks, carefully remove the skin and bones from the fish and discard them. Cut the fish into chunks and set aside. Check the vegetables as well and remove any bones or skin if needed.
To make the egg-lemon sauce, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon juice, cornstarch, and olive oil until smooth. Slowly whisk in 1 to 2 cups of hot soup broth to temper the mixture.
Add the fish chunks and as many of the vegetables as you like back into the pot. Stir in the egg-lemon sauce and cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through. Do not boil.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately with toasted bread.
Notes
Psarosoupa thickens as it sits and is best enjoyed freshly made. If you prefer a more brothy soup, add an extra 3 to 4 cups of water or chicken broth at the beginning of cooking. Keep extra hot broth on hand to loosen the soup just before serving if needed.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Chef's Oven with Lid, 7.5 Quart, Shallot -
Staub Cast Iron 7-qt Round Cocotte - White Truffle, Made in France
-
CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with LCD Display, Powerful Milk Frother and Customizable Brewing Temperature, Provides Barista-Level Lattes and Cappuccinos
-
Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Convection Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel
Bravo! I just made this psarosoupa after having some on a visit to Greece and I was obsessed! This is just as good (and my opinion, even better) than the one I had there! Thank you, Dimitras! Now I can make this at home when I get a craving and before I head back to Greece! I can’t wait to try more of your recipes! Please, keep them coming and thank you for teaching us!!
Thank you so much for sharing that, and I’m thrilled that my psarosoupa brought back those beautiful memories of Greece for you! There’s nothing like enjoying a comforting bowl of soup that transports you right back to the Mediterranean. I’m so happy you loved it—even more than the one you had there! 😊
Keep cooking and exploring more recipes, and let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to try next. Your kind words truly mean the world—thank you! ❤️
Till yesterday I had never eaten Fish Soup and I will be making this again for sure . This was absolutely fantastic! I look forward to lunch time today to have another wonderful bowl . The whole family was quite impressed. Wanted to let you know how much we all enjoyed it . It’s a wonderful recipe and we thank you for sharing it with us.
That’s wonderful to hear! There’s nothing like a comforting, flavorful fish soup—especially when it’s a hit with the whole family. I’m so glad you all enjoyed it, and I love that you’re already looking forward to another bowl. Thank you for sharing your experience! 😊