1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
2. Add Spices: Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to release the spices’ flavours.
3. Incorporate Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots and canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
4. Pour in Broth: Pour in the fish or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
5. Add Fish: Gently add the bite-sized fish pieces to the simmering soup. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
6. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
7. Garnish: Ladle the spicy fish soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Enjoy your homemade spicy fish soup! Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to your preference for the perfect amount of spice.