Fish in batter

Fish in batter - A marine delight with a crispy texture

Preparation time: 30 minutes Baking time: 1 hour Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Number of servings: 4-6

Who doesn't love a dish that combines the freshness of fish with a golden, crispy crust? This fish in batter recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also turn your meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you want to impress guests or simply indulge in a delicious lunch, this recipe is the perfect choice.

A brief history of the recipe Fish dishes have been valued over the years by various cultures for their versatility and high nutritional value. Around the world, cooking methods for fish have evolved, and today, this combination of fish with a crispy batter is a true favorite. The batter protects the fish during baking, keeping it juicy and delicious.

Ingredients

*For the batter:* - 300 g flour - 150 g butter (soft, at room temperature) - 1 egg yolk - 2 tablespoons vinegar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - salt (to taste) - water, if needed (to adjust consistency)

*For the filling:* - 800 g hake fillet (or other white fish) - oregano (to taste) - pepper (to taste) - salt (to taste) - 1/2 cup white wine - 3 tablespoons oil

Necessary utensils - A large bowl for mixing ingredients - A baking dish - Plastic wrap - A rolling pin - A cutting knife - A fork for pricking the batter

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Preparing the fish 1. Start by washing the fish fillets well under cold running water. Dry them with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess water. 2. In a bowl, mix oregano, pepper, salt, white wine, and oil. This mixture will give the fish a fantastic flavor. 3. Place the fish fillets in this mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (ideally overnight). This marination will intensify the flavors and make the fish more savory.

Step 2: Preparing the batter 1. In a large bowl, combine flour with salt and baking powder. Mixing these dry ingredients before adding the others will ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent in the batter. 2. Add the soft butter and egg yolk. Start mixing with a spatula or with your hands until you obtain a sandy composition. 3. Add the vinegar and, if necessary, a little water, to obtain an elastic dough. Knead the batter for a few minutes, then wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assembling the dish 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2. Divide the batter into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out the first part into a thin sheet, shaped like a fish, that will cover the bottom of the baking dish. 3. Place the sheet of batter in the baking dish and prick it with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Bake this base for about 10 minutes, until it becomes slightly golden.

Step 4: Assembling and baking 1. Remove the dish from the oven and carefully place the marinated fish fillets on top of the batter base. Cover the fish completely with the second sheet of batter that you rolled out earlier, ensuring the edges are well sealed to prevent juices from leaking. 2. From the remaining batter, you can cut small circles to create fish scales. Place them on top for a decorative touch. Don't forget to use a piece of batter to create the fish's tail! 3. Before placing the dish in the oven, brush the batter with a mixture of egg yolk and a tablespoon of milk to achieve a shiny crust. 4. Bake the dish for about 1 hour, or until the batter becomes golden and crispy.

Serving and suggestions After removing it from the oven, let the dish cool slightly, then cut it into servings. It is delicious served alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. A side of baked potatoes or mashed potatoes will perfectly complement this dish.

Tips and useful advice - You can experiment with different types of fish, such as cod or trout, to vary the flavors. - If you want to add a note of freshness, you can sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving. - Feel free to use your favorite spices to customize the marinade.

Frequently asked questions 1. Can I use frozen fish? Yes, but make sure it is well thawed and drained before marinating.

2. What other spices can I add? Garlic powder, paprika, or cumin are excellent choices for diversifying the flavor of the dish.

3. How can I store leftovers? They can be kept in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.

4. What drinks pair well with this dish? A dry white wine or a pale beer will perfectly complement the flavors of the fish.

This fish in batter recipe is not just a simple dish, but a true celebration of flavor. It is easy to make, and the final result will be worth all the effort. I wish you happy cooking and good appetite!