Sleep in the oven
Delicious Baked Catfish Recipe
Looking for a simple and quick recipe for a tasty dinner? I propose a savory baked catfish recipe that impresses with its intense flavors and delicate texture. This dish is perfect for a family meal or to impress guests. The total preparation time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the recipe is sufficient for 4 servings.
Necessary ingredients:
- 1 catfish (without head and tail, approximately 1.7 kg)
- 2 medium onions
- 1 carrot
- 2-3 tomatoes or 200 g tomato paste
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 bell peppers (preferably one red and one green for a vibrant look)
- 200 g grated cheese
- Dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon juice, for serving
Step 1: Preparing the fish
Start by cleaning the catfish. Rinse it well under cold running water, then salt it evenly all over. This step will help enhance the flavors. Place the catfish in a container and let it marinate in the refrigerator for an hour.
Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
Meanwhile, peel and julienne the onion. This will add a sweet note to the dish. Dice the carrot and bell pepper into small cubes, which will cook evenly and provide a pleasant contrast of textures.
Step 3: Assembling the dish
Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). In a baking dish, carefully place the pieces of catfish. On top, evenly distribute the onion, bell pepper, carrot, chopped tomatoes or tomato paste, and crushed garlic. Sprinkle dried thyme for a special aroma. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Baking
Sprinkle 100 g of grated cheese over the vegetables and fish. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes. This step will help retain moisture inside the dish, making the fish juicy.
Step 5: Finishing the dish
After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and add the remaining grated cheese on top. Now, leave the dish uncovered and return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and crispy.
Step 6: Serving
Once the catfish is cooked and the cheese is melted, portion the fish onto plates and drizzle with fresh lemon juice for an extra touch of freshness. This baked catfish pairs perfectly with polenta, which will absorb all the delicious flavors of the dish.
Personalized variant:
If you want to add a touch of originality, try adding green olives or capers among the vegetables for a Mediterranean taste. You can also use fresh herbs like dill or parsley to add extra flavor.
This baked catfish recipe is not only simple but also very versatile, allowing you to explore different ingredient combinations. Enjoy every bite and savor a delicious meal with your loved ones!
Ingredients: 1 headless and tailless fish (whole weighed 1.7 kg) 2 onions 1 carrot 2-3 tomatoes or tomato paste 4 cloves of garlic 2 bell peppers 200 g cheese thyme salt, pepper
