Oven-baked stuffed fish - specific to Arab countries

Oven-Baked Stuffed Bass – a Delicious and Flavorful Recipe

Welcome to the savory world of cooking! Today, I will share with you an enticing recipe for oven-baked stuffed bass, a specialty that brings rich flavors and pleasant textures, perfect for festive meals or family dinners. This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the fresh and healthy ingredients. Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner eager to experiment, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

To prepare this stuffed bass, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 medium bass (approximately 600-800 g)
- 1 bunch of parsley leaves (about 4 bunches from the market in Romania)
- 1 small onion
- 6-8 cloves of garlic
- 4 tablespoons walnuts
- 4 tablespoons almond seeds
- 2 large tomatoes
- 3 hot peppers (red and green)
- 2 large lemons
- 1 large potato
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 3 teaspoons fish seasoning (a mix of cloves, coriander, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, bay leaves, pepper)
- Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Maggi fish-flavored broth
- Olives: green and black

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the fish

The first thing you need to do is to clean the bass from scales and internal organs. This step is essential to ensure a pleasant texture and a pure flavor of the fish. Once the fish is clean, rinse it well under cold water and dry it with paper towels.

# Practical tip:
If you're not sure how to clean the fish, you can ask a fisherman for help or request cleaned fish from the market.

Step 2: Marinating the bass

After cleaning, salt the bass both inside and out. This step will help intensify the flavors. Then, add the fish seasoning, drizzling the fish with lemon juice. Let it marinate for 3-4 hours, turning it occasionally to evenly absorb the flavors.

# Personal tip:
If you have time, marinating the fish overnight enhances the flavor even more.

Step 3: Preparing the stuffing

In a blender, add the parsley leaves, walnuts, almond seeds, and garlic. Blend on medium speed until you get a smooth paste. Add a teaspoon of the fish seasoning and salt to taste. This stuffing will give the fish a special flavor, and the crunchy texture of the nuts and almonds will provide a pleasant contrast.

Step 4: Assembling the dish

Stuff the bass with the obtained mixture and place it in a heat-resistant glass baking dish. Now, let's take care of the vegetables! Slice the potato thinly, and cut the tomatoes and hot peppers into rounds. Arrange alternating layers of potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and lemon slices around the fish. Add the green and black olives, then sprinkle salt and pepper over the vegetables to enhance their flavor.

Step 5: Baking

Pour the fish broth over the vegetables and drizzle everything with olive oil. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 45 minutes. This step allows the flavors to reveal and intertwine, and the fish to cook evenly.

# Useful tip:
For even cooking, make sure the aluminum foil is well applied at the edges so that steam does not escape from the dish.

Step 6: Browning

After 45 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and leave the bass in the oven for an additional 15 minutes, until the fish and vegetables become golden and appetizing. This is the moment when the aroma will fill the entire kitchen and make everyone salivate!

Serving

The stuffed bass is served hot, alongside polenta or fried potatoes. A mixed salad with sesame paste and pickles perfectly completes the meal. I recommend trying the mixed salad recipe with sesame paste, which can be found in another article, to add a touch of freshness and flavor.

Variations

You can experiment with this stuffed bass and other types of fish, such as sea bream or salmon. Also, for a spicier taste, add a few slices of hot pepper to the stuffing or use flavored olive oil.

Nutritional Benefits

Bass is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, with benefits recognized for maintaining cardiovascular health. Parsley leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, while walnuts and almonds add fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, you can use frozen fish, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
You can add zucchini, eggplant, or even carrots, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I tell if the fish is cooked?
The fish is done when the flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Conclusion

This oven-baked stuffed bass recipe is not just a tasty dish but also a culinary experience that will connect you with old traditions and varied flavors. I encourage you to try this recipe and personalize it to your taste. Whether you serve it to family or at a gathering with friends, the stuffed bass will surely become a favorite. Enjoy your meal!