Baked potatoes

Baked Fish Fillets with Potatoes – A Simple and Delicious Recipe

When it comes to cooking, few dishes can compete with a fresh fish fillet, baked to perfection, accompanied by flavorful potatoes. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also delivers an exceptional taste, perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends. Moreover, the dish is healthy and packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 55-65 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:
- 2 fish fillets (preferably white fish, such as cod or sea bream)
- Fish seasoning (a mix of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and herbs)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 lemon (juice)
- 50 ml white wine (a dry wine is ideal)
- Olive oil (or another vegetable oil)
- 3 red potatoes (or sweet potatoes for a sweeter option)
- Fresh or dried parsley (for flavor and garnish)
- Salt (to taste)

A Brief Story About the Recipe:
Baked fish fillets with potatoes are a classic recipe that evokes family meals, with simple yet tasty dishes. This traditional dish has been cooked for generations, and each family has its own variation, adding their favorite flavors and ingredients. It is a recipe that can be easily adapted to reflect the personality of the cook.

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Preparing the Fish: Start by cleaning the fish fillets, if they are not already cleaned. Ensure there are no remaining bones. Rinse them under cold running water and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

2. Seasoning the Fish: In a small bowl, mix the fish seasoning. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, but feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Sprinkle the mixture evenly on both sides of the fish fillets.

3. Preparing the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into even-sized cubes or slices for uniform cooking. In a bowl, toss them with crushed garlic, dried parsley, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil to flavor them well.

4. Assembling the Dish: In a greased baking dish, place the fish fillets. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon over the fish, then pour the mixture of white wine with water (25 ml water) to add moisture and flavor. Add the potatoes around the fillets, ensuring they are well distributed.

5. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the dish from drying out. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C and let it bake for 40 minutes. This step is important to allow the fish to cook evenly and retain moisture.

6. Browning the Dish: After 40 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and leave the dish in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until the fish is lightly browned and the potatoes become crispy.

7. Serving: Once the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it warm, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley for a colorful appearance and fresh aroma. You can also add lemon slices on the side for an extra touch of acidity.

Practical Tips:
- Choose fresh fish that has a shiny appearance and a pleasant sea smell. Frozen fish is a convenient alternative and can be just as delicious.
- If you want a spicier version, add a hint of chili or hot paprika to the seasoning.
- Potatoes can be replaced with seasonal vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or cauliflower, to diversify the dish.
- If you want to reduce baking time, you can pre-cook the potatoes in water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of fish? Yes, you can experiment with different types of fish, such as salmon or trout. Just make sure to adjust the baking time based on the thickness of the fillet.
- What should I serve alongside? This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a garlic yogurt sauce.
- Can it be prepared in advance? Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients in advance, and then assemble and bake them when you're ready to serve.

Nutritional Benefits:
Fish is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to heart and brain health. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins, providing energy and essential nutrients for the body. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced.

In conclusion, baked fish fillets with potatoes are an excellent choice for a light and healthy dinner. Feel free to adapt the recipe to your tastes and enjoy a dish that is sure to impress. Bon appétit!