Hake with sauce
Hake with tomato and olive sauce: a delicious recipe for fish lovers
If you are a fan of fish dishes, I invite you to discover this simple and tasty recipe for hake with tomato and olive sauce. It is a perfect combination of flavors that transforms a humble ingredient into a refined dish. Hake, a white fish with tender flesh, is extremely versatile and pairs wonderfully with tomato sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 kg of hake (preferably fresh, but you can also use frozen)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 500 g of fresh tomatoes or 1 large can of tomatoes in puree
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill)
- 50 g of olives (preferably green or black, depending on preference)
Preparation
1. Preparing the fish: Start by cleaning and washing the hake well. Cut it into suitable pieces, then sprinkle a pinch of salt on each piece. Set it aside to absorb the flavors until the sauce is ready.
2. Preparing the sauce: In a large skillet, add the 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic, allowing it to sauté gently to release its aroma. Be careful not to burn it, as it will become bitter.
3. Adding the tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, chop them into cubes and add them to the skillet. If opting for canned tomatoes, pour them directly in. Season with salt, pepper, and if the tomatoes are too sour, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the taste. Cover the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes turn into a smooth sauce.
4. Adding the fish: Once the sauce is ready, carefully add the pieces of hake and olives to the skillet. Cover again and let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. During this time, the fish will absorb the flavors of the sauce.
5. Flipping the fish: After 10 minutes, carefully flip the pieces of fish using a spatula to avoid breaking them. This step is essential for ensuring even cooking.
6. Serving: Once the fish is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on top, such as parsley or dill. You can accompany this dish with warm polenta, which pairs perfectly with the delicious sauce.
Chef's tip
For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few slices of lemon to the sauce during cooking. Also, if you enjoy spicier flavors, a finely chopped chili pepper can add an extra kick.
Possible variations
If you want to try a different version, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini, diced, to the tomato sauce. These will add extra color and nutrients.
Nutritional benefits
Hake is rich in protein and contains omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health. Additionally, tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, making it suitable for a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
What type of fish can I use instead of hake?
You can use any type of white fish, such as cod or tilapia. Make sure the fish is fresh for the best results.
How can I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can be kept for 2-3 days. Reheat before consuming.
What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, will pair perfectly with the fish and tomato sauce.
Can it be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, add the fish and let it simmer in the sauce.
A personal note: This recipe for hake with tomato and olive sauce reminds me of family meals from my childhood when we would gather around the table to enjoy fish dishes. It is a simple recipe, yet full of memories and emotions, that can bring people together.
So, get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and healthy recipe. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 1kg of fish, preferably white, 3-4 cloves of garlic, 500g of tomatoes or 1 large can of tomatoes in juice, salt, pepper, oil, herbs, 50g of olives
