Main Course · Dinner · European ·

Belgian Waterzooi with Creamy Fish Broth

Name: Belgian Waterzooi with Creamy Fish Broth
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Olive oil, 1 tbsp; Leek, white part only, sliced; Carrots, 2, peeled and diced; Celery stalk, 1, diced; Bay leaf; Thyme sprig; Fish stock, 3 cups (or vegetable stock); White fish fillets, 1 lb (such as cod or haddock), cut into chunks; Mussels, 1/2 lb, scrubbed and debearded; Shrimp, 1/2 lb, peeled and deveined; Potatoes, 2 large, peeled and chopped; Heavy cream, 1 cup; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, 2 tbsp, chopped; Lemon, 1, cut into wedges

A hearty and warming dish from Belgium, this fish stew combines tender seafood with a rich, creamy broth filled with vegetables, perfect for a cozy gathering.

4.7(517 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 25, 2025

Belgian Waterzooi with Creamy Fish Broth — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Broth

For the Fish & Vegetables

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 507 kcal
Protein: 37.5 g
Carbs: 29 g
Fat: 25.5 g
Fiber: 5.25 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2027 kcal
Protein: 150 g
Carbs: 116 g
Fat: 102 g
Fiber: 21 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Olive oil 1 tbsp	119	0	0	14	0
Leek white part only, sliced	33	1	8	0	1
Carrots 2, peeled and diced	50	1	12	0	4
Celery stalk 1, diced	6	0	1	0	1
Bay leaf	0	0	0	0	0
Thyme sprig	1	0	0	0	0
Fish stock 3 cups (or vegetable stock)	30	6	2	0	0
White fish fillets 1 lb (such as cod or haddock), cut into chunks	400	85	0	4	0
Mussels 1/2 lb, scrubbed and debearded	90	12	4	2	0
Shrimp 1/2 lb, peeled and deveined	240	46	1	5	0
Potatoes 2 large, peeled and chopped	320	8	72	0	8
Heavy cream 1 cup	820	4	7	88	0
Salt and black pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Fresh parsley 2 tbsp, chopped	2	0	0	0	0
Lemon 1, cut into wedges	6	1	9	0	2

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Broth

1
Heat oil
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2
Sauté vegetables
Add leek, carrots, and celery, and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
3
Build broth
Add bay leaf, thyme, and fish stock, and bring to a boil.

Preparing the Fish & Vegetables

1
Cook potatoes
Reduce heat to a simmer and add potatoes. Cook for 15 minutes, or until tender.
2
Season fish
Season fish chunks with salt and pepper; set aside.
Tip: For added flavor, simmer the broth with a piece of fish head if available.
3
Add seafood
Once potatoes are tender, add fish, mussels, and shrimp to the broth.
Tip: Ensure the mussels are tightly closed before cooking and discard any that remain open.

How to Make Belgian Waterzooi with Creamy Fish Broth

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Simmering
Allow fish and seafood to simmer gently in the broth for about 8–10 minutes until cooked through.
2
Creaming
Stir in the heavy cream, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, bringing back to a gentle simmer.
3
Final touches
Remove bay leaf and thyme before serving.