Fried catfish with polenta and garlic sauce

Fried carp with polenta and garlic sauce

Discover a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for savoring the traditional flavors of Romanian cuisine. This dish of fried carp, accompanied by creamy polenta and a spicy garlic sauce, is ideal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Here’s how to prepare this tasty meal, step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 4 carp (or other fish, such as crucian or catfish)
- 200 g cornmeal
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 300 ml oil for frying
- 1 egg yolk
- 100 g flour
- Spices: thyme, pepper, sweet paprika, vegeta, oregano (to taste)
- Water (for polenta)

Preparing the fish:
1. Start by cleaning the carp. Remove the scales, intestines, and gills, then wash them with cold water, being careful not to damage the fish. It is recommended to do this a day in advance to allow the flavors to develop.
2. After cleaning and washing the fish, pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure no moisture remains on their surface. This step is essential for achieving a crispy crust when frying.

Preparing the polenta:
3. In a pot, add 1 liter of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil. When the water starts to boil, gradually add the cornmeal, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Lower the heat and let the polenta simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes thick and pulls away from the sides of the pot. Once done, you can add a cube of butter for extra creaminess.

Preparing the garlic sauce:
5. In a bowl, crush the garlic cloves with a pestle or the back of a spoon. Add a little salt and mix well. You can add water to achieve a more fluid consistency, depending on your preferences.

Frying the fish:
6. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a deep pan. Prepare a plate with flour and another bowl with beaten egg yolk. Dip each fish first in flour, then in the yolk, before placing it in the hot oil.
7. Fry the carp on each side for about 5-7 minutes, until they become golden and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to achieve even frying.

Serving:
8. Serve the fried carp alongside warm polenta and garlic sauce. A side of pickles or summer salad can add a pleasant contrast of flavors. An innovative option is to sprinkle some freshly chopped dill over the fish before serving, for an extra touch of freshness.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with other types of fish, such as crucian or sea fish, depending on your preferences.
- Make sure the oil is well heated before adding the fish to avoid excessive fat absorption.
- If you want to simplify the recipe, you can skip the egg yolk, and the fish can be fried only in flour.

This recipe for fried carp with polenta and garlic sauce is not just a simple dish, but also a true culinary experience. Enjoy every bite and savor the authentic flavors!