French-style carp

Culinary Indulgence: Oven-Baked Carp with Flavored Butter

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn't occasionally want to indulge in a delicious fish dish? Oven-baked carp is a simple yet sophisticated recipe that will surely impress family and friends. Its rich flavor, enhanced by the aromas of butter and spices, turns every meal into a true culinary celebration. Let's discover together how to achieve perfectly cooked carp, step by step, with useful tips and essential details!

A Brief History

Carp, a versatile fish, is used in numerous culinary cultures around the world. Baking it in a style that emphasizes natural flavors is a technique that has become popular in many households over the decades. The use of flavored butter and fresh spices not only enhances the taste but also provides a wonderful texture. This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal.

Ingredients

- 1 carp (1.5 - 2 kg)
- 1 package of butter (250 g) + 2-3 cubes for the baking dish
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 small onion
- 250 ml white wine
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Zest from one medium lemon
- Fresh or dried thyme
- Fresh or dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparing the Flavored Butter

1. Butter Mixing: Start by leaving the package of butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it becomes soft. This will make it easier to mix the ingredients. Add salt, pepper, lemon zest, thyme, finely chopped parsley, and rosemary. Use a spatula or fork to combine all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste.

2. Adding Onion and Garlic: Finely chop the onion and garlic, then incorporate them into the flavored butter mixture. Mix well, ensuring the flavors combine perfectly.

Preparing the Carp

3. Cleaning the Carp: Scale the carp, then make a cut on its belly and remove the intestines. Wash both the inside and outside of the fish under cold running water. After cleaning, pat it dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess water.

4. Preparing the Baking Dish: Place a few cubes of butter (2-3) at the bottom of a baking dish. These will add extra flavor to the fish during baking.

5. Greasing the Carp: Rub half of the flavored butter on the outside of the carp. Use the remaining butter to grease the inside of the fish. This step is essential to ensure a rich taste and juicy texture.

Baking the Carp

6. First Baking Stage: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Place the dish with the carp in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

7. Adding Breadcrumbs: After 10 minutes, take the carp out of the oven and sprinkle breadcrumbs over its entire surface. This step will add a crispy and delicious crust. Continue baking for another 20 minutes.

8. Adding Wine and Bay Leaves: After 20 minutes, add the white wine and bay leaves to the dish. These will infuse the fish with subtle flavors and keep it moist. Bake the carp for another 20-25 minutes, basting it occasionally with the sauce from the dish to prevent it from drying out.

Serving

9. Preparing the Sauce: When the carp is ready, take it out of the oven. You can mix the sauce from the dish with the 2 tablespoons of sour cream for a creamy and delicious sauce.

10. Serving: Serve the carp hot, alongside the delicious sauce and sides like roasted potatoes or sautéed vegetables. A fresh salad will perfectly complement this dish.

Useful Tips

- Share with Friends: Preparing carp is a wonderful activity you can share with loved ones. It can be a perfect occasion to host a special dinner.

- Variations: If you want to experiment, you can add other spices or herbs, such as marjoram or oregano. You can also replace white wine with red wine for a more intense flavor.

- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another fish?: Of course! This recipe can be adapted for other types of fish, such as trout or sea bream.
- How can I check if the fish is cooked?: The fish is done when the flesh becomes opaque and easily flakes off the bones.

Nutritional Information

Carp is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. It also contains vitamins such as B12 and D, which contribute to the proper functioning of the nervous and immune systems. Each serving of oven-baked carp has about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of butter used.

So, don't hesitate to enjoy this recipe for oven-baked carp with flavored butter. It is simple, delicious, and will make you feel like a true chef in your own kitchen. Bon appétit!