Over the festive at the Marina

Festive Fish a la Marina: A Delicacy for the Holidays

If you've ever thought that fish can be a star on the holiday table, the recipe for Festive Fish a la Marina is just what you need. This is not just a simple recipe, but a culinary experience that will surely impress your guests and bring a touch of magic to any festive meal. With a crispy crust and a delicate fish filling, this recipe is perfect for celebrating special moments with loved ones. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 300 g flour
- 150 g margarine (or butter, if you prefer)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 800 g hake fillets (or other white fish)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- ½ cup white wine (preferably dry)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation method

Step 1: Prepare the crust
In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. Cut the margarine into small pieces and incorporate it into the flour, mixing with your fingers until you get a sand-like consistency. Add the egg and vinegar, then gently knead the dough until it becomes elastic and compact. It is important not to overwork the dough to avoid making it tough. Once you have the desired consistency, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the filling
In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, white wine, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. This will be the marinade for the fish fillets. Rinse the hake fillets under cold running water and dry them well with a paper towel. Place the fillets in a dish, pour the marinade over them, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This step will enhance the flavors and ensure a tasty filling.

Step 3: Assembly
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Take one half of the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to form a thin sheet. Place this sheet in a baking dish to form a tart base. Prick the dough with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Bake for about 10 minutes, until it becomes lightly golden.

After removing the dish from the oven, place the marinated fish fillets on top. Roll out the second half of the dough and cover the fish, ensuring the edges are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking. Use a fork to press and seal the edges.

Step 4: Decorate the tart
From the remaining dough, cut circles with the mouth of a glass and then cut each circle into four to form scales. Place the scales on top of the fish, giving it a festive and attractive appearance. Brush the entire tart with a mixture of egg yolk and a tablespoon of milk to achieve a golden and shiny crust.

Step 5: Baking
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour or until the crust is golden and crispy. It is essential to check periodically if the tart is baking evenly. Once done, let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve with fresh lemon wedges, which add a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the richness of the fish.

Practical tips and variations
- If you want to experiment with other flavors, you can add dill or parsley to the marinade.
- Instead of hake, you can use any other white fish, such as cod or tilapia.
- This recipe can also be adapted to include vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, which can be added to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- You can serve Festive Fish a la Marina with a garlic yogurt sauce or tzatziki sauce, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Nutritional information
This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. White fish is an excellent source of protein, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. The whole wheat flour used in the crust adds fiber, and olive oil is a healthy fat beneficial for the body.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, make sure to fully thaw it and dry it well before marinating.
2. Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
You can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead, and assemble and bake them on the day of serving.
3. How can I tell if the fish is cooked correctly?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and becomes opaque.

In conclusion, Festive Fish a la Marina is a recipe that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a smile to the faces of loved ones. With a little patience and passion, you will create an impressive dish, perfect for any special occasion. Don't forget to enjoy the cooking process and share this delicacy with those you love. Enjoy your meal!