Grilled cheat with white sauce

Grilled Ceatal with White Sauce – a marine delicacy for summer days

Looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe? Grilled ceatal with white sauce is the perfect choice. This small marine fish, with its refined taste and delicate texture, will turn any meal into a captivating feast. Moreover, it is a quick recipe, ideal for gatherings with friends or family meals. Get ready to discover how to prepare this delight step by step!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4

Necessary Ingredients
For the fish
- 500 g fresh ceatal (or another small fish if ceatal is unavailable)
- Olive oil for greasing
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
- Garlic (halved or whole cloves, depending on preference)

For the white sauce
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream
- 3 teaspoons of yogurt
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- Approximately 50 ml white wine
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh tarragon, broken into small pieces (do not cut with a knife!)

Brief History
Ceatal is a marine fish, appreciated along the coast for its intense flavor and fine texture. Grilling it is a tradition passed down through generations, and the white sauce adds a touch of elegance and freshness. This recipe is easily adaptable, and the ingredients can vary according to the season or personal preferences.

Step by Step: How to Prepare Grilled Ceatal

1. Cleaning the fish:
Start by cleaning the ceatal. Carefully remove the gills and pull to the side to eliminate the intestines, ensuring the fish remains intact. This step is essential for ensuring a clean and pleasant taste.

2. Washing and draining:
After cleaning, wash the fish well under cold running water. Place it in a colander and let it drain for a few minutes. It is important for the fish to be well-drained to achieve an even browning on the grill.

3. Preparing the skewers:
Place the ceatal on skewers, interspersing with halved or whole cloves of garlic. The garlic will caramelize on the grill, adding extra flavor to the dish.

4. The grill:
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and let them brown for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the fish turns golden and slightly crispy. Remember to turn the skewers carefully so as not to break the fish!

5. Preparing the white sauce:
While the fish is cooking, prepare the white sauce. In a small pot, mix the lemon juice, sour cream, yogurt, olive oil, and white wine. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place the mixture on low heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to simmer lightly. Finally, add the chopped parsley and broken tarragon, mixing well.

6. Serving:
Once the fish is ready, serve it immediately, accompanied by the warm white sauce. You can add a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Tips and Useful Advice
- Choosing the fish: When looking for fresh ceatal, ensure it has a fresh sea smell and that the eyes are clear, not cloudy.
- Cooking alternative: If you don’t have a grill, you can also prepare it in a non-stick pan or on a grill plate.
- Sauce variations: You can add fresh dill instead of tarragon for a different flavor, or experiment with herbs according to your preferences.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another fish? Yes, you can also use other types of small fish, such as anchovies or sardines.
- How do I store the sauce? The white sauce is best served fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for a day, making sure to reheat it before serving.

Nutritional Benefits
Ceatal is an excellent source of protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain heart health. The white sauce, with yogurt and sour cream, provides calcium and probiotics, essential for healthy digestion.

Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a light beer, but you can also opt for a refreshing lemonade on warm summer days. Add a few slices of toasted bread to enjoy the white sauce.

I wish you to enjoy every bite and turn this recipe into a family favorite! Prepare it with love, as it is a delicious and healthy choice that will bring a touch of summer to every day!