Kakavia (soup)

Kakavia is a special kind of soup that is made with fish and a few other ingredients. It is a traditional Greek soup that has been enjoyed for many years. Let's break down how it is made.

First, you need to gather all the ingredients. To make kakavia, you need fish, such as whole fish or fish fillets. It can be any kind of fish you like, such as cod, snapper, or even shrimp. You will also need onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, and water.

Once you have all the ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking! First, you need to chop the onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, and celery into small pieces. You can ask a grown-up to help you with this part if you're not sure how to do it safely.

Next, you will need a big pot to cook the soup. Put some olive oil in the pot and heat it up over medium heat. Then, add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté them for a few minutes until they become golden and smell delicious.

After that, it's time to add the rest of the vegetables. Add the chopped potatoes, carrots, and celery to the pot and stir them well with the onions and garlic. Let them cook for a few minutes to get softened and tasty.

Now, it's time to add the fish! Carefully place the fish into the pot on top of the vegetables. You can use whole fish or fish fillets. Be careful with the bones if you use a whole fish, as they can be sharp.

Once the fish is in the pot, it's time to add the tomatoes. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and add them to the pot. They will add a nice flavor and color to the soup.

Finally, it's time to add water, salt, and pepper. Pour enough water into the pot to cover all the ingredients. Then, add a pinch of salt and pepper to give the soup some extra taste. You can always add more salt and pepper later if needed.

Now, it's time to let the soup simmer. Simmering means cooking the soup on low heat for a longer time so all the flavors can mix together. Let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the fish is cooked and the vegetables are tender.

After the soup has simmered for a while and all the ingredients are cooked, you can turn off the heat. Take a peek at your delicious kakavia soup! The fish should be flaky and tender, and the vegetables should be soft and flavorful.

Now that your kakavia soup is ready, you can serve it in bowls and enjoy it with some crusty bread on the side. The soup will be warm and comforting, perfect for a chilly day or a family meal.

Remember, kakavia is not just a soup; it is a special recipe that has been passed down through families in Greece for a very long time. So, when you eat kakavia, you are enjoying a part of Greek culture and tradition!