Baked fish with sauce and vegetable side dish

Baked Fish with Sauce and Vegetable Garnish

Get ready to discover a delicious and flavorful baked fish recipe that is not only easy to make but also packed with taste! This baked fish recipe with sauce and vegetable garnish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Additionally, it is a healthy choice, rich in nutrients, ideal for those who want to enjoy a tasty and nourishing dish.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 1-2 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1-2 hours and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of fish (cod or hake)
- 2 medium onions
- 2 carrots
- 2 bell peppers (preferably one red and one green for a colorful appearance)
- 2 tablespoons of roasted pepper paste
- 5 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of white wine
- 1 cup of tomato juice

Recipe history:
Baked fish dishes are a culinary tradition in many cultures, often associated with festive meals and special occasions. This recipe combines the rich flavors of vegetables with the delicacy of fish, creating a perfect balance of tastes. Using simple ingredients, each element of this dish contributes to a delicious final result.

Step by step:

1. Marinating the fish:
- Start by cleaning the fish and cutting it into equal-sized pieces. This helps with even cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients well.
- Add the fish pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for 1-2 hours. Marinating will enhance the flavors and help the fish become more tender.

2. Preparing the vegetables:
- While the fish is marinating, clean and slice the onions thinly and cut the carrots into rounds. The bell peppers can be sliced into strips.
- In a skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. This process will bring out the natural sweetness of the onion.
- Add the carrots and sauté for another 5 minutes. After that, add the bell peppers, roasted pepper paste, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the vegetables sauté for another 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft.

3. Assembling the dish:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- In a baking dish, evenly distribute the sautéed vegetables. Place the marinated fish pieces on top.
- Add a cup of water to the dish to help cook the fish and create a delicious sauce.

4. Baking:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and pour the tomato juice and white wine over the fish. This will add a touch of acidity and enhance the flavors.
- Bake for another 10 minutes until the fish is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

5. Serving:
- Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to settle.
- Serve the dish warm, with the vegetable garnish from the dish. You can add a slice of lemon for extra freshness. A green salad or steamed rice pairs perfectly with this dish.

Practical tips:
- If you want a spicier note, you can add a few slices of chili pepper to the vegetables.
- Make sure the fish is fresh, preferably from a trusted source. Frozen fish can be used, but it should be completely thawed before marinating.
- You can experiment with different types of fish, such as sea bream or trout, for unique flavors.

Frequently asked questions:
- What type of fish can I use? Cod and hake are excellent, but other white fish species will work just as well.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? While fresh vegetables provide the best flavor, frozen vegetables can be used in case of necessity, but it is advisable to thaw them before use.
- How can I make the recipe more filling? Add a serving of rice or baked potatoes, which can be cooked simultaneously with the fish.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, thanks to the fish, and is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It is an excellent choice for a healthy meal, being low in calories and rich in essential nutrients.

Possible variations:
- Add olives or capers for a Mediterranean touch.
- Experiment with different spices, such as oregano, rosemary, or fennel, to vary the flavors.
- Use different types of sauces, such as soy sauce or teriyaki sauce, for a completely different approach.

This baked fish recipe with sauce and vegetable garnish will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of health to your diet. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent around the table with your loved ones!