Tomato, Seaweed and Fresh Fish Soup

Why people make this soup

Tomatoes cooked in a little oil release significantly more lycopene than raw tomatoes — up to three times the concentration, according to research — and lycopene is one of the most potent natural antioxidants found in plants. Research has linked lycopene to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer, among other health outcomes. Small fresh ocean fish — red mullet, sea bream, and similar varieties — pair beautifully with tomatoes and seaweed for a broth that is both deeply flavourful and genuinely nourishing. The ginger keeps the soup warm and balanced, and lightly pan-frying the fish before adding water is the classic technique for extracting a milky, umami-rich broth from small fish.