Hake with garlic sauce

Hake with Garlic Sauce: A Recipe Full of Memories and Flavor

I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for hake with garlic sauce, a perfect combination of fresh fish and the intense flavors of garlic. This recipe is inspired by my beautiful memories with my father, a passionate fisherman who instilled in me a love for fish dishes. I will provide you with all the necessary details to achieve a perfect result, along with some useful tips to make this experience truly memorable.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 3

Ingredients

For the fish:
- 3 hake fillets
- Fish seasoning (you can use prepared spice mixes or create your own)
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for frying

For the garlic sauce:
- 5 cloves of garlic
- A handful of fresh parsley
- Coarse sea salt
- Freshly ground white pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of sour cream
- Water (as needed to adjust consistency)

For the polenta with butter:
- Water (approximately 1 liter)
- Cornmeal (approximately 250 g, but this may vary based on preference)
- Salt
- 50 g butter

Recipe History

Hake is a fish with white, delicate flesh, appreciated over time for its versatility in the kitchen. Garlic sauce, on the other hand, adds an intense and aromatic note, making it a perfect accompaniment for fish. This combination has been enjoyed for generations, bringing families together around the table, where stories and memories intertwine with every bite.

Preparing the Fish

1. Preparing the hake fillets: Start by rinsing the hake fillets under cold running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and fish seasoning on both sides of the fillets. Make sure they are well coated for an intense flavor.
3. Frying: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the hake fillets. Fry them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
4. Adding the wine: Near the end of the cooking time, pour the 30 ml of aromatic white wine into the skillet. Let it simmer for a minute to allow the flavors to meld. Then, remove the skillet from the heat.

Preparing the Garlic Sauce

5. Mashing the garlic: Use a wooden tool called a "pestle" (or a mortar, if you have one) to mash the garlic. Ensure you achieve a fine paste. This is key to releasing the intense flavors of the garlic.
6. Mixing the ingredients: Add the finely chopped parsley, salt, pepper, the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sour cream, and water as desired. Mix well until you achieve a smooth consistency. You can adjust the texture by adding more water if you prefer a thinner sauce.

Preparing the Polenta

7. Boiling the water: In a pot, bring the salted water to a boil. When the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium.
8. Adding the cornmeal: Gradually pour the cornmeal into the water, stirring continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon. This step is essential to avoid lumps.
9. Cooking the polenta: Continue stirring until the polenta becomes thick and starts to pull away from the sides of the pot (about 10-15 minutes). If you desire a softer texture, you can reduce the amount of cornmeal.
10. Adding the butter: Finally, add the butter and mix well until it is completely melted.

Serving

Place each hake fillet on a platter and pour the garlic sauce over the top, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve the polenta alongside the fish, and a bottle of chilled white wine will perfectly complement the meal. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a piece of culinary tradition, reminiscent of family gatherings.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the fish: Make sure to select fresh hake with firm flesh and a bright white color. Frozen fish can be a good option, but ensure it is of high quality.
- Adjusting flavors: If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a finely chopped chili pepper.
- Variations: Instead of sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version. You can also substitute hake with another white fish, such as cod or sole.
- Alternative serving: You can also serve this dish with a fresh vegetable salad or grilled vegetables for an even healthier meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of fish?: Absolutely! This recipe works well with other types of white fish, such as cod or sea bream.
- How can I make the polenta creamier?: Add more butter and a smaller amount of cornmeal to achieve a softer texture.
- What wine pairs best?: A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! This recipe for hake with garlic sauce will surely become a favorite in your home, bringing not just flavors but also precious memories to the table. Enjoy your meal!