Hake with tomato and olive sauce

Delicious hake recipe with tomato and olive sauce

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The joy of cooking is a gift we give ourselves and our loved ones. Today, we will embark on a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe: hake with tomato and olive sauce. This dish is not only a culinary delight but also an explosion of Mediterranean flavors that will turn any meal into a feast.

Necessary ingredients:

- 600 g hake fillet
- 100 g olives (preferably green or black, according to preference)
- 4-5 fresh tomatoes (or a can of diced tomatoes)
- 200 ml tomato juice
- 100 ml white wine
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5-6 black peppercorns
- 5-6 coriander seeds (optional)
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 4-5 green onions
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- Salt, to taste

A brief history of the recipe

The hake with tomato and olive sauce has deep roots in Mediterranean culinary tradition. Hake fish are appreciated not only for their delicate texture but also for their refined taste. The combination with tomatoes and olives reflects the harmony between simple yet flavorful ingredients found in many traditional recipes.

Preparing the fish

1. Washing and boiling the hake: Start by washing the hake fillets well under cold running water. Place them in a pot of salted water and boil over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. It is important not to overcook them, as they can become dry. A healthy alternative would be to steam them, thus preserving the fish's natural juiciness and flavors.

2. Draining the fish: Once the fish is cooked, carefully remove it from the water and let it drain on a paper towel or a cooling rack.

Preparing the tomato and olive sauce

3. Sauté the onion: In a large skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the chopped green onion until it becomes translucent. This step will add a flavorful base to your sauce.

4. Adding the tomatoes: When the onion is ready, add the chopped tomatoes (or the can of tomatoes) and the tomato juice. Let it simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water or some of the fish cooking liquid.

5. Season the sauce: Add the chopped garlic, peppercorns, coriander, bay leaves, and salt to taste. Let the sauce simmer for another 5-7 minutes for the flavors to meld.

6. Adding the olives: At this point, you can add whole or sliced olives, depending on your preference. The olives bring a salty note and a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes.

7. Incorporate the wine and fish: When the sauce is almost ready, add the white wine and lemon slices. Then, carefully place the hake pieces into the sauce and let everything simmer together for 4-5 minutes. This step allows the fish to absorb the flavors of the sauce, turning it into a true delight.

8. Finalizing the dish: After you have turned off the heat, add the chopped dill and gently stir. The dill will add a fresh note and perfectly complement the existing flavors.

Serving the dish

To add a touch of elegance, serve the hake with tomato and olive sauce on a large platter, garnished with fresh lemon and a few dill leaves. This recipe pairs wonderfully with a side of rice or mashed potatoes, as well as a crisp green salad.

Tips and variations

- Fish variations: Instead of hake, you can also use other types of white fish, such as cod or salmon, for a different flavor.
- Adding vegetables: You can enrich the sauce with vegetables such as eggplant or zucchini, adding them during the sauce preparation.
- Vegan options: If you prefer a vegan version, you can replace the fish with tofu or mushrooms.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen fish? Yes, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
2. How can I store this sauce? You can keep the sauce in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best fresh.
3. What wine should I use? Choose a dry white wine that complements the flavors but is not too sweet.

Nutritional benefits

Hake is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3, and essential vitamins, making it a healthy choice for the whole family. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while olives add healthy fats and fiber. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious!

Whether you are cooking for family or friends, hake with tomato and olive sauce is a perfect choice. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent around the table! Bon appétit!