Hake with celery in the oven

Baked Hake with Celery Recipe: A Healthy and Delicious Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 60-70 minutes
Number of servings: 4

I invite you to discover a recipe for baked hake with celery, a light and healthy dish, perfect for a fasting meal or a quick family dinner. This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the combination of fish and fresh vegetables. The story behind this recipe is just as interesting! It is said that baked dishes, especially those that combine fish with vegetables, have been appreciated over time for their complex flavor and the way the ingredients complement each other.

The ingredients needed to prepare this delicacy are simple, but each plays an important role in creating a harmonious meal. Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:
- 4 hake fillets
- 1 piece of celery (not too large)
- 2-3 carrots
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1-2 onions
- 3-4 potatoes
- A handful of fresh parsley
- Olive oil
- 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sweet paprika
- 1 cup of white wine

These ingredients are not only delicious but also very beneficial for health. Hake is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. The vegetables bring vitamins and minerals, while the lemon adds a splash of acidity that balances the flavors.

Food preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the fish
Start by squeezing the juice of one lemon over the hake fillets. This step is essential, as the lemon will not only flavor the fish but also help it become more tender. Let the fillets marinate for 15 minutes in the fridge.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
In the meantime, peel and slice the celery and carrots into thin strips, julienne style. In a pan, add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the celery and carrots and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft. Add the chopped onion and sauté everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Preparing the potatoes
Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. These will form the base of your dish. Prepare a heat-resistant dish and grease it with a little olive oil. Layer the potato slices slightly overlapping, forming an even layer.

Step 4: Assembling the dish
After laying the potatoes, add the sautéed vegetables on top. Then, carefully place the hake fillets, sprinkling fresh chopped parsley and a few crushed garlic cloves on top for added flavor. Cover everything with another layer of sliced potatoes and drizzle with a little olive oil and a pinch of sweet paprika for a touch of color and taste.

Step 5: Baking
If you prefer the vegetables not to dry out, cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Let it bake for 40-50 minutes. In the last 10 minutes, you can remove the foil to allow the potatoes to become crispy.

Step 6: Finishing the dish
After the baking time is up, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. If you used white wine, add it in the last minutes of cooking for extra flavor.

Step 7: Serving
Serving is a special moment! You can accompany the dish with a garlic sauce, adding a creamy note with sour cream for a pleasant contrast. Additionally, a fresh green salad or a side of steamed vegetables can perfectly complement this healthy meal.

Practical tips:
- Always check if the fish is fresh. The fillets should be firm and have a pleasant sea smell.
- You can substitute hake with another white fish, such as cod or trout, depending on your preferences.
- Add other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to vary the recipe and achieve a mix of different flavors.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add spices such as thyme or oregano.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can red wine be used?
Although the original recipe recommends white wine, if you grabbed the wrong bottle, don’t worry! Red wine can add an interesting note, but it would be best to use it in moderation.

2. Can I replace the butter?
Yes, for a vegan option, you can use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter.

3. How healthy is this recipe?
This recipe is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, with a relatively low caloric content. It is ideal for a healthy and balanced diet.

I wish you happy cooking and hope you enjoy this delicious baked hake with celery recipe! I encourage you to put your personal touch on the dish to make it even more special!

 Ingredients: 4 fillets of hake salt, pepper 1 piece of celery (not large) 2-3 carrots 1 tablespoon of butter 1-2 onions 3-4 potatoes fresh parsley a little crushed garlic 1 lemon sweet paprika 1 cup of white wine (not red as I mistakenly put) olive oil

 Tags:  hake vegetables potatoes lemon