Diverse - Pike perch by Izabela M. - Recipia
Pike Perch Plachie - Delicious Recipe for a Traditional Dish

Total preparation time: 60 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

I present to you a recipe for Pike Perch Plachie, a simple yet flavorful dish that will remind you of Romanian culinary traditions. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, being a quick and tasty option. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of pike perch (whole or fillet, depending on preference)
- 200 g of flour
- 200 ml of sunflower oil (or olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 l of water
- 2 large onions
- 3 ripe tomatoes (or 400 g of canned tomatoes)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar (optional, for a stronger flavor)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)

Preparation:
1. Wash the pike perch well under cold water and cut it into pieces of about 150 g each. Sprinkle salt on each piece and let it marinate for 15 minutes. This step will help enhance the flavor of the fish.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables. Peel the onion and slice it thinly. You can chop the tomatoes into cubes and the bell pepper into strips.

3. After the pike perch has marinated, coat each piece in flour, ensuring it is evenly covered with a thin layer.

4. In a deep frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the fish pieces and fry them on each side for about 5-6 minutes, until they become golden and crispy. Remove them to a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

5. In the same pan, add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then, add the bell pepper and crushed garlic, letting it sauté for another 2 minutes.

6. Add the tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pan, mixing well. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes, until it thickens.

7. In a baking dish, carefully arrange the fried pike perch pieces, then pour the tomato sauce over them. Optionally, add a bay leaf and vinegar for a more complex flavor.

8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

9. Finally, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness.

Serving:
Pike Perch Plachie is delicious served warm, accompanied by a side of polenta or mashed potatoes. You can also add a summer salad with tomatoes and cucumbers for a fresh contrast.

Practical tips:
- If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add spices like paprika or thyme to the tomato sauce.
- Substitute pike perch with another white fish, such as perch or trout, to vary the recipe.
- You can prepare the Pike Perch Plachie a few hours in advance and reheat it, as the flavors become even richer.

This Pike Perch Plachie recipe is perfect for bringing a touch of tradition to your kitchen. Don’t forget to enjoy every bite and the company of your loved ones!
Diverse - Pike perch by Izabela M. - Recipia

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