Oven-baked carp

Oven-Baked Carp: A Delicious Recipe for Weekend Days

When it comes to fish dishes, oven-baked carp is an excellent choice, offering a perfect combination of flavors and textures. This dish is ideal for a weekend meal, accompanied by a serving of soft polenta, which perfectly complements its delicate taste. Moreover, it is a simple and healthy recipe that will impress any guest. Let's discover together how to prepare this delight!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Essential Ingredients

To achieve a tasty oven-baked carp, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 carp (approximately 2 kg)
- 1 large onion
- 3 bell peppers (preferably tricolored: red, yellow, green)
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes or regular tomatoes
- 1 lemon
- 6-7 cloves of garlic
- Fish spices (or a mix of herbs)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 100 ml olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Carp

1. Cleaning the fish: Start by cleaning the carp of scales and intestines. This is an essential step to ensure the fish will be tasty and healthy. Wash it well under cold running water. If you prefer, you can cut off its head to fit better in the baking tray.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Clean and wash the vegetables. Cut the bell peppers into thin strips lengthwise, the onion into rings, and chop the garlic finely. In a bowl, mix the peppers, onion, and garlic. This mixture will create a flavorful vegetable bed, perfect for supporting the taste of the carp.

3. Slicing the tomatoes and lemon: Cut the tomatoes into thin slices and the lemon into slices. The tomatoes will add moisture and a sweet-sour taste, while the lemon will provide an extra freshness.

4. Preparing the baking tray: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In the baking tray, add olive oil (approximately 50-60 ml) to cover the bottom well. Evenly distribute the mixture of peppers, onion, and garlic.

5. Adding the tomatoes: Over the vegetables, sprinkle half of the tomato slices and add a little salt to enhance the flavors.

6. Preparing the carp: Place the carp on the vegetable bed. Brush it well with the remaining olive oil on all sides, including inside. Sprinkle fish spices, salt, and pepper to taste, both on the outside and inside of the fish.

7. Stuffing the carp: Inside the carp's belly, add the fresh parsley and a few slices of lemon. These will infuse the fish with delicious flavors during baking.

8. Finalizing the dish: On top of the carp, place the remaining tomato slices and lightly drizzle with water (one cup) around the fish, being careful not to pour water directly onto the carp, so as not to wash away the spices.

9. Baking the fish: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about an hour. If you want the fish to be more thoroughly cooked, you can leave it for an additional 10-15 minutes. It is important to check the carp from time to time and pour the resulting sauce over the meat 2-3 times to maintain moisture and enhance the flavors.

10. Serving: Once the carp is ready, carefully remove it from the oven and portion it. Serve it alongside garlic sauce and soft polenta for a delicious and comforting meal.

A Brief History of the Recipe

Oven-baked carp is a classic recipe that has traversed generations, often prepared on holidays or at family gatherings. This simple cooking method allows the fish to retain its natural flavor, while the vegetables contribute the necessary sweetness and texture for a balanced meal.

Nutritional Benefits

Carp is an excellent source of protein, being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Additionally, the added vegetables, such as peppers and tomatoes, provide antioxidants and vitamins, thus contributing to a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of fish? Absolutely! While carp is wonderful, you can also use other types of fish, such as sea bream or perch.
- How can I keep the fish fresh? Make sure to store the carp in the refrigerator, covered, and consume it within 2 days after purchasing.
- What drinks pair well? A dry white wine or a light lager are excellent choices that complement the taste of the fish.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

If you want to experiment with different flavors, add green or black olives to the vegetable mixture or use herbs like rosemary or thyme. These will add an extra flavor boost to the dish.

Oven-baked carp is a versatile recipe, easily adaptable to everyone's preferences. Don't hesitate to experiment and create variations that reflect your tastes. Cooking is an art, and every meal is an opportunity to explore new combinations and create delicious memories with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!