Baked dish with tomato and mustard sauce

Baked Plaice with Tomato and Mustard Sauce: A Savory and Comforting Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

In a world where quick and healthy meals are increasingly sought after, the recipe for baked plaice with tomato and mustard sauce proves to be a perfect choice. This dish is not only tasty but also rich in nutrients, making it ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion.

A Brief Story about Plaice

Plaice is a fish that brings a touch of refinement to our dishes. With a delicate flavor and fine texture, this fish is often appreciated in various cuisines. The recipe we will explore today combines simplicity with sophistication, and the mustard and tomato sauce gives it a unique character.

Necessary Ingredients

- 1 kg plaice (cleaned and gutted)
- 1 kg potatoes (preferably new or red potatoes for better texture)
- 2 tablespoons mustard (choose a quality mustard, preferably one with seeds for an intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (homemade tomato purée is ideal)
- 1 chili pepper (for a touch of spiciness; you can adjust the amount to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Thyme (preferably fresh, but dried is also fine)
- A pinch of curry (for an extra flavor boost)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (to add a pleasant taste to the potatoes)
- 100 ml white wine (a dry wine will perfectly complement the flavors)

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Preparing the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes. They will form a delicious and hearty side dish. After peeling, wash them well under cold water and slice them into thin rounds, about 1 cm thick. This will help them cook evenly and quickly.

2. Preparing the Fish: Rinse the plaice well under cold water and dry it with a paper towel. It is important to have it well dried to achieve a nicely browned crust during baking.

Assembling the Dish

1. Preparing the Baking Tray: In a baking tray, add two tablespoons of olive oil and grease the bottom well. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking and will add a delicious flavor.

2. Arranging the Potatoes: Place the potato rounds in a single layer on the bottom of the tray. Make sure they are well distributed so they cook evenly.

3. Seasoning the Potatoes: Sprinkle curry, salt, and pepper over the potatoes. These spices will add a pleasant aroma and make the side dish wonderful.

4. Placing the Fish: Now, place the plaice on top of the potatoes. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and thyme over the fish, ensuring it has a pleasant flavor.

5. Preparing the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the mustard with the white wine and tomato paste. Add the sliced chili pepper. This sauce will give the fish a unique taste and create a delicious glaze during baking.

6. Pouring the Sauce: Pour the mustard and tomato sauce over the plaice in the tray, making sure the fish is well covered.

Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tray in the oven for about 45 minutes. It is essential to check from time to time, as every oven is different. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the potatoes are soft.

Serving

After cooking, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Arrange the plaice on a large platter alongside the browned potatoes. You can garnish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme for an attractive appearance.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad, dressed simply with olive oil and lemon, or with grilled vegetables. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will wonderfully complement the flavors of this meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of fish? Yes, you can replace plaice with another white fish, such as cod or sea bream. Make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the chosen fish.

- How can I make this dish spicier? You can add more chili pepper to the sauce or even a bit of chili sauce.

- What should I do if I don’t have mustard? You can use soy sauce or a marinade based on lemon and herbs, but the taste will be different.

Nutritional Benefits

Plaice is an excellent source of protein and contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Potatoes provide healthy carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious!

Possible Variations

If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can incorporate a few lemon slices on top of the fish before baking. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as dill or parsley.

Whether you choose to enjoy this recipe on a quiet evening at home or impress your guests with your culinary skills, baked plaice with tomato and mustard sauce is definitely a fantastic choice. Enjoy your meal!