Oven-baked carp with garlic sauce

Oven-baked carp with garlic sauce: a delicious and comforting recipe

Oven-baked carp with garlic sauce is a traditional recipe that brings together the natural flavors of fresh fish, vegetables, and spices, turning every meal into a feast. This dish is not only tasty but also healthy, being a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, olive oil and garlic provide extra health benefits.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 55-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 carp (2.5 - 3.00 kg)
- 1 parsley root
- 1 carrot
- 1.5 large onions
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 6 large potatoes
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- Sea salt, to taste
- Olive oil, to taste
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 lemon
- For the garlic sauce:
- 8-9 cloves of garlic (large)
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 100 ml of olive oil
- Warm water, a few drops

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the carp:
Start by washing the carp thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure it is clean, removing any scales or impurities. Score the fish on each side with a sharp knife, without cutting all the way through, to allow the flavors to marinate. These slits will be filled with bacon slices, providing a rich and savory taste.

2. Marinating the carp:
Sprinkle sea salt both on the outside and inside of the carp. This step is essential to enhance the flavors. In each slit, insert a slice of bacon. Fill the cavity of the carp with chopped parsley, large pieces of carrot (quartered), 0.5 large onions, a sprig of rosemary, and a few lemon slices. Squeeze the juice from 0.5 lemon over the fish for added freshness.

3. Preparing the vegetables:
Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (2-3 mm), and slice the remaining 1.5 onions into rings. These vegetables will form a delicious bed for the oven-baked carp, adding wonderful texture.

4. Assembling the dish in the tray:
In a deep tray, pour olive oil and add the sliced potatoes and onions. Place the stuffed carp on top of the vegetables and drizzle a generous splash of olive oil over it. Cover the tray with aluminum foil to allow the fish and vegetables to cook evenly.

5. Baking the carp:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven on the second-lowest rack and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. Then, raise the temperature to 250 degrees Celsius (ideally on the Grill setting) and let the dish brown for 10-15 minutes, until the carp is golden and crispy.

6. Preparing the garlic sauce:
While the carp is baking, you can prepare the garlic sauce. In a blender, add the peeled garlic cloves, sea salt, and olive oil. Blend the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until you obtain a smooth paste. If necessary, add a few drops of warm water to thin the consistency. Place the garlic sauce in the refrigerator to cool and blend the flavors.

7. Serving:
Once the carp is ready, remove the tray from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the carp with the filling vegetables, the potatoes from the tray, and the refreshing garlic sauce. You can garnish the plate with a few green parsley leaves for a pleasant appearance.

Practical tips:
- Choose fresh carp with firm flesh and a pleasant sea smell. Check the eyes: a fresh carp should have clear eyes.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can replace the bacon with smoked bacon or add spices like smoked paprika to the filling.
- Make sure the garlic for the sauce is fresh; it will influence the final flavor of the sauce.

Possible variations:
- This recipe can be adapted with other types of fish, such as trout or salmon. The baking time may vary depending on the weight of the fish.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, adding them to the tray alongside the potatoes.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, it is possible, but make sure to thaw it completely before preparing it.

2. What side dish goes best with oven-baked carp?
A simple green salad or a tomato and onion salad are excellent choices to complement this dish.

3. How can I store leftover carp in the fridge?
Keep the carp in an airtight container in the fridge, consuming it within the next 2 days to enjoy its freshness.

Personal note:
This oven-baked carp with garlic sauce recipe has been a tradition in my family, brought by my grandmother, who prepared it with much love during holiday meals. Its taste reminds me of the beautiful moments spent around the table, surrounded by loved ones. I invite you to bring this recipe into your own kitchen and create equally beautiful memories!

I hope you enjoy every step of this recipe and that the final dish will delight you! Bon appétit!