Baked eggplants with tomato sauce and olives

Carp with Tomato and Olive Sauce Baked with Grapes – An Unusual Delicacy

If you are looking for a fish recipe that impresses with flavor and originality, you have come to the right place! This recipe for carp with tomato and olive sauce, enriched with sweet grapes, is not only delicious but also easy to make. Moreover, it is a wonderful opportunity to bring a healthy, nutrient-rich dish to your table.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 3 large carps
- 1 can of peeled tomatoes (approximately 400 g)
- 150 g green or black olives, depending on preferences
- 9 grapes (preferably white or red grapes)
- 5 onions, sliced julienne
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 8 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- A pinch of dried basil
- A bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste

A Short Story:
Carp is a fish appreciated for its delicate texture and subtle flavor, making it a popular choice in home cooking. In our recipe, the grapes bring a surprising sweet note, perfectly complementing the acidity of the tomato sauce. This combination of ingredients is not just an explosion of flavors but also an excellent way to enrich your diet with vitamins and minerals.

Step by Step – Your Guide to a Perfect Dish:

1. Preparing the Fish:
Start by cleaning the carps. Remove the heads and tails, then wash them well under cold running water. Make sure the fish are dry before seasoning them.

2. Preparing the Baking Tray:
Take a baking tray large enough to hold the fish. Grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking. This will help achieve a golden and delicious crust.

3. Seasoning the Fish:
Place the carps in the tray and sprinkle salt, pepper, and basil both on the outside and inside. Ensure the flavors penetrate well.

4. Preparing the Vegetables:
In a bowl, combine the onion, carrots, and garlic. These vegetables will add a rich flavor to your sauce. Spread some of this mixture inside the fish, along with the halved grapes. This is key to achieving a juicy and flavorful filling.

5. Assembling the Dish:
Spread the rest of the vegetable mixture over the fish. Pour the diced peeled tomatoes over the fish, ensuring they are evenly covered. Then add the olives and sprinkle some fresh parsley, salt, and pepper on top.

6. Baking:
Add enough water to the tray to cover the fish halfway. Cover the tray with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C (medium heat) and let it bake for about 30 minutes.

7. Finishing the Dish:
After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and let the fish bake for another 10 minutes to brown nicely.

8. Serving:
Once the carp is ready, take it out of the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve it with garlic sauce, warm polenta, and a glass of chilled white wine. This combination will turn your meal into a true celebration!

Useful Tips:
- Choosing the Fish: Make sure to choose fresh fish with firm flesh and a pleasant sea smell.
- Olive Varieties: You can experiment with different types of olives – green ones are saltier, while black ones offer a sweeter flavor.
- Variations: Instead of grapes, you can also use slices of lemon or orange for a citrusy taste. Additionally, adding fresh herbs like dill or coriander can provide an interesting note.

Nutritional Benefits:
Carp is an excellent source of lean protein, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. Tomatoes are full of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which helps protect the body from free radicals. Olives are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for cardiovascular health.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another fish? Absolutely! The recipe also works with other types of fish, such as trout or catfish.
- Can I prepare the recipe without an oven? If you don’t have an oven, you can cook the dish on the stove in a deep pan, covering it with a lid.
- How can I adapt the recipe for fewer servings? You can proportionally reduce the ingredients without compromising the flavor.

In conclusion, this recipe for carp with tomato and olive sauce baked with grapes is an excellent choice for a family meal or a dinner with friends. Its simple origins and innovative combination of ingredients will turn every meal into a memorable experience. Cook with love and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!