Fried fish with spinach garnish

Fried Fish with Spinach Side – A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

I propose a tasty recipe for fried fish, accompanied by a delicious spinach side. This recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, and the combination of fish and spinach is not only tasty but also healthy. Fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while spinach brings a multitude of essential nutrients.

A Brief History of the Recipe
Fish recipes have been popular for centuries, being an integral part of the diet of many cultures around the world. This recipe combines the tradition of frying fish with a vegetable side, reflecting a healthy approach to meals, highly appreciated in contemporary cuisine. Frying allows the fish to retain its juiciness, while cornmeal provides a crunchy texture that enhances every bite.

Ingredients
- 1 carp of about 2 kg (or other preferred fish)
- 500 g fresh spinach
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 2 bay leaves
- Fish seasoning (or a mix of herbs)
- Pepper to taste
- Vegeta (or other preferred seasoning)
- Cornmeal for dredging the fish
- Oil for frying (preferably sunflower oil or olive oil)
- Salt to taste

Preparing the Fish
1. Preparing the fish: Start by scaling the carp, gutting it, and washing it well under cold water. This is an essential step, as a clean fish will taste much better.
2. Seasoning: Cut the fish into suitable pieces and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle the fish seasoning, vegeta, pepper, and garlic slices. Tear the bay leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the bowl. Mix well to ensure all flavors blend. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for 2-3 hours. This step is crucial to allow the spices to penetrate the meat and provide an intense flavor.

Frying the Fish
3. Heating the oil: In a frying pan, pour enough oil and let it heat well. You can check if the oil is ready by introducing a small piece of fish; if it starts to sizzle immediately, then it’s perfect for frying.
4. Dredging in cornmeal: Take each piece of fish and dredge it in cornmeal. This will not only provide a crunchy crust but will also enhance the texture and appearance of the fish.
5. Frying: Place the pieces of fish in the pan, being careful not to crowd them. Fry on low heat to brown evenly, about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Once ready, remove them to a plate covered with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Preparing the Spinach
6. Cleaning and blanching the spinach: Wash the spinach well under cold water to remove any impurities. Then, blanch it in salted water for 2-3 minutes. This step helps retain the color and nutrients in the spinach. After it has softened, drain it well and cut it into smaller pieces.
7. Sautéing the spinach: In the same pan, pour a tablespoon of oil and add the garlic slices. Let them sauté until golden, then add the spinach. Mix well and add 50 ml of water. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Dish
8. Serving: On a plate, lay a bed of sautéed spinach, then place 2 pieces of fried fish on top. You can garnish with lemon slices or fresh dill for added flavor and a pleasant appearance.

Practical Tips
- Types of fish: If you don’t have carp, you can use any other white fish, such as cod or tilapia.
- Spinach alternative: You can replace spinach with other green vegetables, such as kale or Swiss chard.
- Spice variations: Experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika or herbes de Provence, to personalize the recipe to your taste.
- Serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen fish? Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and dry it well before preparing.
- How can I make the spinach tastier? You can add some toasted nuts or feta cheese to intensify the flavors.
- How long can I keep leftovers? Fried fish keeps well in the fridge for 1-2 days, but it is tastiest when consumed immediately.

Nutritional Benefits
This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Fish is an excellent source of high-quality protein, while spinach provides a high intake of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like iron and calcium. This combination makes this dish an ideal choice for a healthy and balanced meal.

Enjoy preparing this recipe for fried fish with a spinach side, which will not only satisfy your taste buds but also bring a touch of health to your table! Bon appétit!