Carp with vegetables and olives in tomato and bell pepper sauce

Carp with vegetables and olives in tomato and bell pepper sauce

I propose a delicious and healthy recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Carp with vegetables and olives in tomato and bell pepper sauce is not just a simple recipe, but an explosion of flavors that will delight you. You may have heard of similar dishes, but today I will teach you how to achieve a perfect combination in every detail.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 5 pieces of fresh carp fillet
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 parsnip
- A handful of cherry tomatoes
- A handful of green or black olives
- 1 red bell pepper
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 glass of dry white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of one lemon
- A handful of fresh parsley for garnish

For the sauce:

- 4 large, ripe tomatoes
- 3 bell peppers
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the fish: Start by washing the carp fillets well under cold running water. Dry them with a paper towel to avoid excess water. Season each piece with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the fillets with lemon juice and a little olive oil, then place them in a baking dish. This will add a fresh note and prevent the fish from sticking to the dish.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Peel the carrot and parsnip, then slice them into thin rounds. The red bell pepper can be cut into larger strips to provide texture. Interleave the vegetables among the carp fillets. Also add the whole cherry tomatoes for a touch of sweetness and acidity.

3. Adding the wine: Pour a glass of dry white wine over the vegetables and fish in the dish, then top with a glass of water. This mixture will help cook the ingredients evenly and flavor them. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes.

4. Preparing the sauce: Meanwhile, you can prepare the sauce. Peel the tomatoes and cut them into cubes. The bell peppers should be deseeded and cut into larger cubes as well. Blend all the ingredients (tomatoes, bell peppers) until you obtain a fine paste.

5. Sautéing the garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot. Add the sliced garlic cloves and let them cook for about 2 minutes until golden. Remove the garlic and add the tomato and bell pepper paste to the pan. Season with salt and pepper and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. You can add a glass of water if the sauce becomes too thick.

6. Preparing the olives: Boil the olives in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess salt. After draining, they are ready to use.

7. Finalizing the dish: After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Add the drained olives and the tomato and bell pepper sauce over the fish and vegetables. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 10 minutes until everything is well integrated and the flavors have melded.

8. Serving: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving. This detail will not only add color but also a touch of freshness.

Serving suggestions: You can accompany this dish with plain rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad. A dry white wine would be the perfect choice to complement this meal.

Nutritional benefits: Carp is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health. Fresh vegetables provide an important supply of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while olives are rich in healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another fish?: Of course! This recipe can be adapted with other types of fish, such as sea bream or salmon.
- How can I make the sauce spicier?: Add a little chili pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Can it be prepared in advance?: You can prepare the sauce and vegetables a day ahead. The next day, all you have to do is add the fish and bake.

I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and find the combinations you like best. Cooking is an art, and each recipe can become unique by adding a personal touch. Enjoy your meal!