Oven-baked carp with rice, grated pumpkin, and aromatic herbs

Oven-baked carp with rice, grated pumpkin, and herbs

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that will impress your family or friends? I invite you to discover our recipe for oven-baked carp with rice, grated pumpkin, and herbs. This dish is not only tasty but also healthy, bringing to the table a perfect combination of proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins. It is a recipe that will transport you to the world of flavors and colors, providing you with an unforgettable culinary experience!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 4 pieces of carp fillets (approximately 600 g)
- 1 cup of rice (200 g)
- 2 tablespoons of butter (or olive oil, if you prefer)
- 100 g grated pumpkin (about one cup)
- 50 ml white wine
- Herbs (salt, freshly ground pink pepper, curry, dried tarragon, dried mint, rosemary)
- A pinch of vegeta (optional, for extra flavor)

For preparation:

1. Rinse the rice: Start by rinsing the rice in several waters to remove the starch. This step is essential for achieving fluffy and tasty rice.

2. Cook the rice: Place the rice in a pot and add water, following the rule of 3 parts water to 1 part rice. For example, for 1 cup of rice, you will use 3 cups of water. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, a pinch of vegeta, a pinch of curry, a pinch of rosemary, and 100 g of grated pumpkin. Cook the rice according to the instructions on the rice package until it becomes fluffy, but leave a little liquid, as it will continue to absorb water after you turn off the heat. Once cooked, cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes.

3. Prepare the fish: In a baking dish, place the carp fillets. Add 50 ml of white wine, salt, freshly ground pink pepper, curry, dried tarragon, and rosemary. These spices will not only enhance the flavors but also contribute to the juiciness of the fish. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture and achieve delicious and tender fish.

4. Bake the carp: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the dish with carp in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Check the fish after 25 minutes; it should be cooked but remain juicy.

5. Serving: Once the rice and carp are ready, arrange them nicely on a platter. You can decorate with a few fresh mint or rosemary leaves for an elegant touch. Serve this dish alongside a glass of white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Useful tips:

- For an extra flavor boost: You can add lemon slices on top of the carp before placing it in the oven. This will give a fresh taste and intensify the flavors.
- Recipe variations: Instead of pumpkin, you can use grated carrots or zucchini. These vegetables provide a different texture and add a splash of color to the dish.
- Secret ingredient: Add a few chopped green or black olives to the rice for a Mediterranean touch.

Nutritional information (per serving, estimated):

- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen fish? Yes, it is recommended to thaw the fish in the refrigerator before cooking to achieve optimal texture.
2. How can I tell if the fish is cooked? The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque color.
3. What other side dishes can I serve? This dish pairs very well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

In conclusion, this oven-baked carp recipe with rice, grated pumpkin, and herbs is an excellent choice for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner. It is a recipe that can easily be adapted based on the ingredients you have on hand, turning every meal into a celebration of tastes. Enjoy your meal!