Fried fish with polenta
Fried Fish with Polenta – a Quick and Delicious Recipe
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
If you're looking for a simple yet tasty dish, I invite you to discover the recipe for fried fish with polenta. This small fish, known as smelt, is a flavorful delicacy, perfect for a light and comforting meal. Smelt, a fish related to salmon, measures between 5 and 15 cm in length and is ideal for frying whole. It belongs to the category of "petite friture" in France, meaning fried fish served whole, which gives it a unique taste.
Necessary ingredients:
- 300 g smelt (preferably small, 5-7 cm)
- 2 tablespoons of oil for frying
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Flour (for dusting)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (for garlic sauce)
- Fresh dill (for garnish)
- Water (for polenta)
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the fish: Start by rinsing the smelts well under a stream of cold water to remove impurities. Place the fish in a sieve and let them drain.
2. Seasoning: In a bowl, sprinkle salt and pepper over the fish. Gently mix so that all pieces are evenly seasoned. Then, dust them with a little flour; this step will help achieve a crispy crust.
3. Frying the fish: In a non-stick skillet, add the oil and let it heat over medium heat. Place the fish in the skillet, covering with a lid for the first few minutes to cook evenly. This way, the fish will fry gently without being submerged in oil, preserving their flavor. Let them fry for 5-7 minutes, turning them gently halfway through until they become golden and crispy.
4. Preparing the polenta: In another pot, add water (about 1 liter) and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt and gradually incorporate the cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the polenta for 5-7 minutes until it becomes creamy and easily separates from the pot's walls.
5. Garlic sauce: In a bowl, crush the garlic cloves with a little salt, gradually adding water until you achieve a smooth paste. You can also add finely chopped fresh dill for extra flavor.
6. Serving: Place the fried fish on a platter and serve them alongside warm polenta. Add garlic sauce on top or on the side, sprinkling fresh dill for a colorful and appetizing appearance.
Useful tips:
- Make sure the oil is well heated before adding the fish to achieve a crispy crust.
- If you desire a more flavorful version, you can add spices like paprika or herbs to the flour.
- You can accompany the dish with a fresh vegetable salad for a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.
This recipe for fried fish with polenta is ideal for a quick and tasty dinner. It will impress you with its simplicity and intensely savory flavors. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: I used 300 grams of very small eperlans, I think the largest was 5-7 cm. We also need 2 tablespoons of oil for frying, salt, pepper, a little flour, and garlic.
