Novac fish fillet

Novac Plachia: A Tasty Fish Delicacy with Vegetables

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Novac plachia is a traditional recipe that combines the flavor of fish with the aroma of fresh vegetables, offering a delicious and easy-to-make dish. This fish stew is not only an excellent choice for family meals but also a perfect option to impress guests. With a mix of slowly cooked vegetables and tender fish, this dish will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of joy to your table.

Required Ingredients

- 1 cleaned, washed, and portioned novac (approximately 800-1000 g, without head)
- 2 red bell peppers
- 3 large onions (preferably white or yellow onion)
- 50 ml dry white wine
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (approximately 400 g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- Flour, for dusting the fish
- Oil for frying (preferably sunflower oil or olive oil)

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Preparing the Fish: Start by cleaning and washing the novac well. Cut it into evenly sized pieces for even cooking. Season each piece with salt and pepper, then lightly dust them with flour to form a thin crust when frying.

2. The Vegetables: Wash and slice the onions thinly, and cut the bell peppers into strips. The garlic can be crushed or finely chopped, depending on your preference.

Cooking the Plachia

3. Frying the Fish: In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the fish pieces for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden. Then, remove them to a plate and set aside.

4. Cooking the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then add the sliced bell peppers and continue to sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt, pepper, and bay leaves, then let the vegetables soften slightly.

5. Adding the Tomatoes and Garlic: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the crushed garlic to the pan. Mix the ingredients well and let them simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors can combine.

6. The Wine: Pour the white wine into the pan, stir, and let it reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes. This will add a note of complexity and enrich the flavor of the plachia.

7. Assembling: In a baking dish, spread the vegetable mixture evenly, then place the fish pieces on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (or a lid, if you have one) and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes.

Serving

Once the plachia is ready, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the novac plachia warm, alongside a portion of steaming polenta, which will perfectly complement the intense flavors of the fish and vegetables. A green salad or summer salad can add a pleasant and fresh contrast.

Notes and Tips

- Fresh Fish: Always choose fresh fish if possible. Novac is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use other types of white fish, such as cod, sea bream, or trout.
- The Wine: Choose a quality white wine, but it doesn't have to be expensive. The wine will enhance the flavors, so don’t skip this step.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, to diversify the recipe. You can also experiment with herbs, adding fresh dill or parsley before serving.
- Storage: Novac plachia keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave, but the best taste experience is when served fresh.

Nutritional Benefits

Novac plachia is an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, being rich in omega-3, which contributes to heart and brain health. The vegetables add fiber and antioxidants, making this dish a healthy choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, frozen fish can be used, but make sure it is completely thawed and dried before cooking.

What other side dishes go well with novac plachia?
Besides polenta, you can serve mashed potatoes or white rice. A fresh vegetable salad will add a pleasant contrast.

Can I make novac plachia without wine?
Of course! You can skip the wine or replace it with fish stock or water, but the wine adds a distinct flavor.

I encourage you to try this simple and delicious novac plachia recipe. Once you prepare it, it will surely become a family favorite, and every meal will be an occasion for joy and conviviality. Enjoy your meal!