Best Fragrant Creamy Potato Coconut Curry Fish Soup

Crisp kale and fish chunks cooked in a non-dairy smooth and creamy potato soup with aromatic yellow Indian curry powder, fresh ginger, garlic, and jalapenos for a kick, and fresh lemon juice for a boost of freshness making a delicious potato coconut curry fish soup.

Table of Contents

Jump to:

• Cozy for Chilly Nights
• The Perfect Pair: Curry and Potatoes
• Is Indian Yellow Curry Powder Authentic?
• The Aromatic Connection
• Why Tilapia for Soup?
• Ingredients with Steps
• Culinary Glossary
• Instructions with Pictures
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Storage
• Reheating
• Cooking Tip
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Soup Recipes
• Seafood Recipes
• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
• 📖 Recipe
• Have a Comment or Question?

Cozy for Chilly Nights

Warm your soul from the inside out with this Creamy Potato Coconut Curry Fish Soup recipe!  Taste the tender flakes of white fish in a silky smooth potato coconut curry broth. Imagine filling the kitchen with the fragrance of yellow Indian curry powder, fresh ginger, and garlic while a taste of the chili pepper adds a subtle kick.

Thanks to a squeeze of fresh lemon, every spoonful feels refreshing.  This isn't just any soup; It's cozy enough for chilly nights yet light and invigorating for lunch, making it perfect for any occasion. It's ideal for the soup season but so delicious that you'll crave it year-round.

The Perfect Pair: Curry and Potatoes

When it comes to home cooking, I have a little secret: potatoes and curry are my ultimate dream team. Why? Because they’re like the perfect duet—complementing each other’s strengths while creating something even better together! At home, I always pair these two, especially in a dish like this coconut curry fish soup.

The creamy potatoes soak up the subtle richness of the coconut milk, and when you add a touch of curry, it becomes the perfect comfort food. Then there’s the clam juice, which sneaks in just enough seafood flavor to keep things interesting without stealing the spotlight.

Bonus points for the fresh kale that adds a pop of color and nutrients because we’re fancy like that! And don’t even get me started on the final flourish: a burst of citrus from the lemon, a zesty kick from jalapeño and ginger, and the bright freshness of basil. Seriously, every spoonful is a wake-up call.

Is Indian Yellow Curry Powder Authentic?

Let’s talk about the heart and soul of this creamy fish curry soup: Indian yellow curry powder. Did you know that yellow curry powder isn’t a traditional Indian spice blend? It’s actually a Western adaptation inspired by Indian flavors! In India, spices are typically blended fresh and tailored to each dish rather than using a standardized mix.

However, the components of yellow curry powder—like turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fenugreek—are staples in Indian kitchens, especially in the northern and western regions. These spices come together to add warmth and depth to dishes, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

So, while yellow curry powder might not be "authentically Indian," it’s an excellent gateway to exploring the rich world of Indian-inspired flavors.

The Aromatic Connection

Now, for all my fellow global food lovers out there, let me break this down for you: the beauty of this potato curry fish stew lies in its simplicity. The key is blending the aromatics to build flavor.

It’s like what my culture calls Haitian epis (e.g., blended herbs, peppers, and onions, similar to sofrito), or what Dominicans call sofrito (e.g., blended peppers, onions, and garlic), or Nigerians call ata gige (e.g., blended ginger, garlic, and peppers), or even India’s ginger-garlic paste (i.e., equal parts ginger and garlic, blended into a smooth paste).

Every culture has its own version of this step because it’s foundational to good cooking. Once you master the art of layering these flavors, you’re basically unstoppable in the kitchen. Plus, making this soup is almost meditative—you chop, blend, stir, and suddenly, you’re a culinary artist.

Why Tilapia for Soup?

And let’s not forget the star of the show: tilapia. Why tilapia, you ask? Because it’s everywhere—seriously, even the smallest grocery store probably has it—and it’s affordable. Its mild flavor doesn’t compete with the curry and coconut, and it holds up beautifully in soups without falling apart.

Of course, you can switch it up with other firm white fish like cod or halibut. But avoid delicate fish like sole or oily ones like mackerel; they’ll either dissolve or overpower the dish. Tilapia keeps things light and balanced, letting the soup’s layers of flavor shine through.

Delightful Globally Inspired Meals

• Air Fryer Branzion with Lemon Potatoes and Vegetables
• Vegetarian Ras El Hanout White Bean and Kale Soup
• Creamy Spicy Sweet Potaote Chicken and Dumplings
• Fish Pepper Yam Stew | Tilapia, Potatoes, and Corn
• One-Pot Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey and Kale
• Creamy Curry Chicken Gnocchi Soup | Caribbean Style
• Easy Healthy Ground Turkey Curry Picadillo Twist

Ingredients with Steps

First, we make the aromatic paste by blending fresh garlic, ginger, onion, celery, jalapeno chunks, and cilantro.  Then, you will cook the paste to melt the flavors together.  Add the Yukon gold potato chunks, organic coconut milk, clam juice, low-sodium vegetable broth, and kosher salt to make the soup base, and simmer.  

Then, when the potatoes are tender, blend the mixture and add the Indian yellow curry powder, fresh shredded kale, and white fish chunks.  Add a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice and fragrant fresh basil to balance the creamy potato and coconut broth when the fish is nice and tender.  

Voila, this gourmet and simple soup is ready!

Culinary Glossary

This section provides concise definitions of key ingredients and techniques to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills related to this recipe.

Ingredients

• Curry Powder: A blend of spices, including turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fenugreek, often used in Indian-inspired dishes to add warmth and depth.
• Turmeric: A vibrant yellow spice known for its earthy, slightly bitter flavor and health benefits.
• Fenugreek: An important spice found in the Indian yellow curry powder with a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
• Coconut Milk: A creamy liquid made by blending and straining coconut flesh, adding a rich, subtle sweetness to dishes.
• Clam Juice: A seafood stock made from steamed clams, used to enhance the seafood flavor in soups and stews.
• Tilapia: A mild, firm white fish that holds its shape well in soups and is commonly used for its subtle flavor.
• Kale: A leafy green vegetable packed with nutrients, adding texture and color to the soup.
• Jalapeño: A medium-spiced chili pepper that adds heat and a fresh, zesty kick to dishes.
• Basil: A fragrant herb that adds a bright, fresh flavor, balancing the richness of the soup.
• Lemon Zest: The outermost layer of a lemon peel adds a burst of citrus flavor and aroma.

Techniques

• Aromatics: Ingredients like onions, garlic, ginger, and chilies that form the base of a dish and build flavor during cooking.
• Roux: A mixture of fat and flour cooked together, used as a thickening agent (not used in this soup but commonly referenced in similar dishes). This recipe is replacing this by pureeing potatoes to avoid using butter and flour.

See the fragrant coconut fish soup recipe card for quantities.

Instructions with Pictures

Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step picture guide.

Substitutions

Dairy Free

• Yay! This delicious creamy soup is already dairy-free, thanks to creamy coconut milk.

Gluten-Free

• Bonus!  This delicious recipe is already gluten-free.

Vegetarian

• Tilapia Fish Fillets - Use extra firm tofu, jackfruit, or banana blossoms.  Watch Tabitha use banana blossoms as a substitute for fish.
• Clam Juice - Replace with low-sodium vegetable broth and add crushed nori seaweed.

Convenience

• 1-inch Ginger & Garlic Cloves - Replace with the paste version, which will be milder in flavor.  Find the ginger and garlic paste combination at your local Asian markets.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes - If you have russet potatoes in your pantry instead, you can use them as a substitute.  It tends to be more starchy; just use ¾ of what the recipe asks for.  
• Kale - Substute with spinach or your favorite greens; some require different cooking times.
• Clam Juice - Try using a splash of fish sauce or fish stock.

Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings. For example, try using substitutes like red pepper chili flakes or cayenne pepper, but these peppers will change the characteristics of the soup. For extra heat, I suggest using Serrano peppers.

Variations

• Red Coconut Curry Soup - Instead of using Indian curry powder, try adding Thai Red Curry Paste for a burst of deliciousness!  You will only need a tablespoon of paste to replace a tablespoon of the curry powder.
• Orange Coconut Curry Soup - Trying using sweet potatoes instead of Yukon gold.

Equipment

• Food Processor - Used for blending the aromatics into a paste.  If you do not have a food chopper, you can buy some ingredients as paste or finely chop them.  Or leave them whole since they will be blended with the potatoes and broth.  
• Dutch Oven - Since the broth will be thick, use a heavy bottom pot, like an enameled Dutch oven. However, you can also use a large pot or a large saucepan.
• Immersion Blender - An immersion blender is a convenient way to blend soups without removing them from the pot or make quick dressings, mayonnaise, or aioli.  I use both the KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender and the restaurant-trusted Vitamix Professional-Grade Series 750 Blender for my recipes.  For a lower price, Amazon also has the Renewed Premium, refurbished line, Professional-Grade Vitamix Explorian Blender, for half the cost.

Kitchen Must Haves - Find other tools I use here.

Storage

• Refrigerator - To store the potato coconut curry fish soup in the fridge, place it in a shallow 2-inch container to cool it down quickly. Then, store it in an airtight container.  As a result, the meal will last up to two days.
• Freezer - Follow the refrigeration process mentioned above.  Then, place it in the freezer in a labeled, airtight container.

Reheating

Due to this soup's delicate ingredients, there are several ways to reheat it. This ensures the soup stays creamy and the fish remains tender without overcooking.

Stovetop Method (Recommended for Best Results):

• Pour the soup into a saucepan and heat it over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
• Add a splash of water, milk, or broth if the soup has thickened during storage to adjust the consistency.
• Heat until the soup is warmed through and steaming, but avoid bringing it to a full boil, as this can cause the fish chunks to break apart.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, etc.) if necessary after reheating.

Microwave Method (Quick Option):

• Transfer a portion of the soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
• Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters.
• Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
• Add a little liquid (water, milk, or broth) if the soup appears too thick after reheating.

Tips for Both Methods:

• Avoid reheating multiple times. Only reheat the portion you plan to eat.
• Be gentle when stirring to preserve the texture of the fish chunks.
• For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Airtight Food Containers

I interchange glass food storage containers with plastic clipping lids or wooden push-ins. I always suggest glass storage containers because they can be microwaved, they hold food without staining, and the glass keeps the food at a more stable temperature, keeping it fresher and longer. 

Try the OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Rectangle Food Storage Containers or the Pyrex Freshlock Glass Food Storage Containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soup Recipes

Looking for other soup recipes like this? Try these: 

Seafood Recipes

Looking for other seafood recipes like this? Try these: 

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