Salmon Marmitako (Salmon Stew) Recipe
Introduction
Salmon Marmitako is a comforting Spanish stew packed with tender potatoes, fresh vegetables, and flaky salmon. This hearty dish is perfect for cozy evenings and brings a satisfying blend of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients
- Olive Oil, as needed
- 1 Onion
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1 Carrot
- Assorted Color Bell Peppers, to taste
- 3 Tomatoes
- Water, to taste
- 1.2 kilogram Potato
- 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
- 400 grams Salmon
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pan, heat enough olive oil to cover the bottom and season with salt to taste. Add the chopped onion and garlic cloves. Cook until the onion becomes translucent.
- Step 2: Add the carrot and assorted bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Step 3: Add the chopped tomatoes and a large cup of water. Let the mixture cook slowly for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are very soft.
- Step 4: Use a stick blender to blend the contents into a smooth sauce.
- Step 5: Peel, dice, and add the potatoes to the pan along with the rosemary leaves. Stir well and add enough water to cover the potatoes. Cook slowly until the potatoes are tender.
- Step 6: About 10 minutes before the potatoes are fully cooked, add chunks of salmon to the stew. Continue cooking until the salmon is done.
- Step 7: Turn off the heat and let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Marmitako!
Tips & Variations
- Use skinless salmon fillets for a smoother texture and easier serving.
- Swap rosemary with thyme for a slight flavor variation.
- Add a splash of white wine during cooking for added depth.
- For a spicier touch, include a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes.
Storage
Store leftover Marmitako in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the salmon from drying out. This stew does not freeze well as the potatoes can become grainy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of salmon?
Yes, firm white fish like cod or halibut work well in this stew and hold their shape during cooking.
How thick should the sauce be before adding the potatoes?
The blended sauce should be smooth but not too watery. It should coat the potatoes nicely without being too runny.
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Salmon Marmitako (Salmon Stew) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Salmon Marmitako is a comforting Spanish-style salmon stew featuring a rich blend of sautéed vegetables, smooth tomato sauce, tender potatoes, and fresh rosemary. This heartwarming dish is perfect for cozy dinners and highlights a classic Basque preparation with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 Onion
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1 Carrot
- Assorted Color Bell Peppers, to taste
- 3 Tomatoes
- 1.2 kilograms Potato
- 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
Protein
- 400 grams Salmon
Others
- Olive Oil, as needed
- Water, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan, heat enough olive oil to cover the bottom. Season lightly with salt. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the diced carrot and assorted bell peppers into the pan. Continue cooking until the vegetables are almost fully softened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Simmer Tomatoes and Blend: Add the diced tomatoes and a large cup of water to the pan. Let the mixture cook slowly for 10–15 minutes until all vegetables become soft. Then, use a stick blender to puree the contents until a smooth sauce forms.
- Cook Potatoes with Rosemary: Peel, clean, and dice the potatoes. Add them to the pan along with fresh rosemary leaves. Stir to combine, then add enough water to cover the potatoes. Simmer gently until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked.
- Add Salmon: About 10 minutes before the potatoes finish cooking, add chunks of salmon to the pan. Allow the salmon to cook through gently with the stew, ensuring it stays tender and moist.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooking is complete, turn off the heat and let the stew rest for 10 minutes. This allows flavors to meld beautifully. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty salmon marmitako.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of water depending on your desired stew thickness.
- Fresh rosemary adds a distinctive aroma; if unavailable, substitute with thyme or bay leaves.
- Use skinless salmon chunks for easier eating, or leave skin on for extra flavor.
- The stick blender step helps create a velvety base; you can skip blending for a chunkier stew texture.
- Season with additional salt or pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Basque, Spanish
Keywords: Salmon stew, Marmitako, Basque salmon, Spanish seafood stew, healthy fish stew, potato stew with salmon, easy stovetop stew

