🍲 Wellness Wednesday Recipe: Spanish Fish Soup (Sopa de Pescado)

I wanted to share this recipe because it’s one I tried for a very specific reason — the health benefits of seafood, especially the omega-3s. I’m always looking for meals that feel comforting but also truly support heart, brain, and overall wellness, and this soup checks all the boxes. It’s warm, light, and nourishing without feeling heavy. Perfect for cooler days or anytime you want something simple, satisfying, and good for you. This Spanish-style fish soup combines fresh seafood, vegetables, and a flavorful broth into a meal that’s rich in protein, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory nutrients — all things that support heart health, immunity, and energy.

🧂 Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, sliced

1 celery stick, sliced

1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika

½ teaspoon dried thyme

4 cups fish broth

¼ teaspoon saffron threads

½ cup fideos (small pasta) or rice

2 cod fillets, diced

12 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 bay leaves

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh lemon juice and parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 How I Make It

Start by heating the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and let everything soften and become fragrant — about 4 to 5 minutes.

Stir in the paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the fish broth, saffron, and bay leaves, then bring it to a boil.

Once boiling, add the fideos (or rice) and cook until almost tender, about 5 minutes.

Lower the heat and add the cod and shrimp. Cover and simmer gently until the seafood is cooked through — usually just 2 to 3 minutes.

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley, then serve warm.

🌿 Why I Love This for Wellness

Omega-3s & lean protein: Seafood like cod and shrimp support heart and brain health, help reduce inflammation, and provide high-quality protein.

Vegetables & antioxidants: Onion, garlic, carrot, and celery support immunity, digestion, and overall cellular health.

Healthy fats: Olive oil provides anti-inflammatory fats that are foundational for long-term heart health.

Hydrating & easy to digest: Broth-based soups nourish the body while being gentle on digestion.

💡 Dr. Mendoza’s Integrative Tip

This is the kind of meal that supports your body without overcomplicating things. I like pairing it with a simple green salad or whole-grain bread to keep the meal balanced and satisfying.

If you’re working on metabolic health, adding extra non-starchy vegetables or leafy greens can help support blood sugar balance and digestion.

This Sopa de Pescado isn’t just delicious — it’s a comforting, nutrient-rich meal that truly supports whole-body wellness.

Stay tuned for more Wellness Wednesday recipes that are both nourishing and enjoyable.