Grilled trout and mushrooms

Grilled trout with mushrooms and polenta with garlic sauce

Preparing a delicious grilled fish dish is an art that we can easily learn. Today, I propose a simple, quick, and extremely tasty recipe for grilled trout, accompanied by aromatic mushrooms and creamy polenta with garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for an outdoor dinner, bringing you closer to nature and the flavor of fresh ingredients.

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including marinating)
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Necessary ingredients:

For trout:
- 1 fresh trout (or frozen, if you don't have anything else)
- 3-4 large mushrooms (preferably champignon or oyster)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 lemon (juice from half)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste

For polenta:
- 1 liter of water
- a splash of oil
- salt
- 200g cornmeal

For garlic sauce:
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3-4 tablespoons of sour cream
- salt and pepper to taste

Recipe history:

This grilled trout recipe is inspired by the culinary traditions of several cultures, where fish and mushrooms are often combined to create a healthy and tasty dish. Trout is a valued fish due to its delicate taste and fine texture, and grilling it allows flavors to penetrate through marinating and cooking over an open flame, resulting in a truly exceptional dish.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the trout:
Start by washing the trout well under cold running water. If using frozen fish, ensure it is completely thawed before cooking.

2. Making the marinade:
In a small bowl, crush the 4 cloves of garlic using a mortar or garlic press. Add the juice from half a lemon, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste.

3. Marinating the fish:
Using a kitchen brush, coat the trout both inside and out with the marinade. Place it in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. This step is essential to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat well.

4. Preparing the mushrooms:
Meanwhile, clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Place them on the preheated grill. The mushrooms will absorb the flavors of garlic and lemon, becoming a delicious side dish for the trout.

5. Preparing the polenta:
In a large pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Add a splash of oil and salt. When the water starts to boil, add the cornmeal in a rain, stirring constantly with a whisk to avoid lumps. Continue stirring for 10-15 minutes until the polenta becomes thick and creamy.

6. Preparing the garlic sauce:
In a bowl, crush the remaining 6 cloves of garlic, add salt, pepper, and olive oil. Gradually mix, rubbing the garlic until the mixture becomes a creamy paste. Finally, incorporate the sour cream and mix well.

7. Cooking the fish and mushrooms:
Meanwhile, place the trout on the hot grill alongside the mushrooms. Cook the trout for about 6-8 minutes on each side, depending on the size of the fish. The mushrooms will be ready in 5-7 minutes.

8. Serving:
Once the trout and mushrooms are cooked, place everything on a large plate. Serve with warm polenta and garlic sauce on the side.

Serving suggestions and variations:

For a touch of freshness, you can add some fresh parsley or dill on top of the dish. You can also experiment with other grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to create a colorful and healthy side dish.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another fish instead of trout? Yes, you can use char or salmon, which have a similar texture and pair well with the garlic marinade.
- How can I store polenta? Polenta can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, but it is best consumed immediately to maintain its creamy texture.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? A dry white wine or a craft beer can perfectly complement the flavors of this dish.

Nutritional benefits:

Trout is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Mushrooms add fiber and vitamins, while polenta provides complex carbohydrates for energy. This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy, bringing a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates to your table.

I hope this recipe for grilled trout with mushrooms and polenta with garlic sauce quickly becomes one of your favorites! Enjoy your meal!