Tilapia in bacon

Delicious Bacon-Wrapped Tilapia with Minted Pea Purée

The weekend is the perfect time to indulge in savory dishes, and today I invite you to discover a simple yet impressive recipe for bacon-wrapped tilapia, served with a creamy minted pea purée. This combination will not only delight your family's taste buds but also add a touch of refinement to your weekend meals.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 5

Necessary Ingredients

For Bacon-Wrapped Tilapia:
- 5 pieces of tilapia fillet (approximately 150-200 g each)
- 10 slices of bacon (preferably one with a higher meat content)
- 2-3 large leaves of fresh spinach
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For Minted Pea Purée:
- 400 g frozen peas
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2-3 tablespoons cream (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint leaves (about 2-3 leaves)

Preparing Bacon-Wrapped Tilapia

1. Preparing the Fish: Rinse the tilapia fillets well, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess water. This step is essential to ensure even browning and crispiness of the bacon.

2. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and oregano on both sides of each tilapia fillet. The spices will not only enhance the flavor of the fish but also balance the richness of the bacon.

3. Adding Spinach: Place a leaf of spinach on top of each fillet. The spinach adds a note of freshness and color to the dish, being an excellent source of iron and vitamins.

4. Wrapping in Bacon: Wrap each tilapia fillet in two slices of bacon, ensuring they are well covered. This step not only prevents the fish from drying out during baking but also gives it a delicious flavor.

5. Preparing the Baking Dish: Place the wrapped fish pieces in a baking dish. Pour 1/3 cup of water and the lemon juice into the dish to maintain moisture during baking.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius (375 degrees Fahrenheit) and place the dish inside. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is golden and crispy, and the fish is fully cooked. You can check if the tilapia is cooked by doing the fork test – if it flakes easily, it’s done.

Preparing Minted Pea Purée

1. Boiling the Peas: In a pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the frozen peas. Boil the peas for about 3-5 minutes until soft, but not too long so they don’t lose their vibrant color.

2. Pureeing the Peas: Turn off the heat and drain the peas. Use a blender to puree them until you achieve a smooth texture. Add the milk and cream to create a creamy purée.

3. Seasoning: Season the purée with salt, pepper, and add the finely chopped mint leaves. The mint will bring a fresh aroma and a note of originality to this dish.

Serving

Serve the bacon-wrapped tilapia on a bed of minted pea purée, garnished with a few fresh mint leaves. This presentation not only looks wonderful but also perfectly blends the flavors. You can also add a slice of lemon for an extra touch of freshness.

Tips and Variations

- Ingredient Variations: If you don’t have tilapia, you can use another type of white fish, such as cod or trout. Bacon can be replaced with prosciutto for a leaner option.
- Alternative Sides: Depending on your preferences, you can serve this dish with grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Serving with Drinks: This dish pairs perfectly with a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will complement the delicate flavors of the fish.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This bacon-wrapped tilapia recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Tilapia is an excellent source of lean protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain heart health. Bacon, although higher in calories, adds an unmistakable flavor, while the minted pea purée is full of fiber and vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I prepare tilapia in advance? Yes, you can prepare the fish and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking it.
- What do I do if I don’t have bacon? You can omit the bacon completely or replace it with a vegetarian option, such as fried tofu slices.
- How can I store leftovers? Leftover tilapia can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

I encourage you to play with the ingredients and adapt the recipe to your tastes. Whether you choose to add spices, change the side dish, or experiment with different types of fish, remember that the important thing is to enjoy the cooking process. Bon appétit!