Baked fish

Oven-baked pikeperch – a delicious and simple recipe, perfect for fish lovers! This refined dish combines the delicate flavors of the fish with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and a splash of white wine, turning it into a feast for the taste buds. Additionally, it is a quick recipe, ideal for family dinners or special occasions. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 pikeperch (approximately 300-400 g each)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 1 cup of dry white wine
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1 handful of cherry tomatoes
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 lemon
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Freshly ground pepper

Instructions:

1. Preparing the fish: Start by cleaning the two pikeperch. Make sure to remove all the insides and scales. You can ask for help from a professional fishmonger if you are not familiar with this step. After cleaning the fish, make a few deep cuts on each side. These cuts will allow the flavors to penetrate better.

2. Seasoning the fish: Cut the lemon into thin slices and place them in the cuts of the fish. This detail will add a touch of freshness and enhance the flavor. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper over the entire surface of the fish, then place them in a heat-resistant dish. Generously drizzle with olive oil to ensure even browning.

3. Adding the garlic: Finely chop the garlic cloves and sprinkle them evenly over the fish. The garlic will bring an intense and aromatic flavor, perfect for complementing the taste of the pikeperch.

4. Initial baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish with the fish in the oven and let them bake for 10 minutes. This first step will help cook the fish and intensify the flavors.

5. Adding the cherry tomatoes: After 10 minutes, take the fish out of the oven and add the halved cherry tomatoes around them. The tomatoes will add sweetness and contribute to the final sauce.

6. Finishing the baking: Pour a cup of dry white wine and a cup of tomato sauce over the fish. This will create a rich and flavorful sauce. Put the dish back in the oven and let it bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is well cooked and the tomatoes are browned.

7. Serving: Once the fish is ready, take it out of the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. This detail will add a touch of freshness and highlight the beautiful colors of the dish.

8. Serving suggestion: Serve the pikeperch alongside warm polenta and a garlic sauce with sour cream and plenty of parsley. This traditional combination will turn your meal into a true culinary delight.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different types of fish, such as dorado or trout, and you can add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to diversify the dish. Also, for a spicy note, add some chili flakes to the tomato sauce.

This oven-baked pikeperch recipe is not only simple but also full of flavors and textures, making it perfect for anyone looking to impress at the table. It will surely become a favorite in your menu!