Baked hake in tomato sauce

Baked Hake in Tomato Sauce – a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 55-55 minutes
Number of servings: 4

A recipe for baked hake in tomato sauce is perfect for a light, healthy, and flavorful dinner. Besides being simple, this recipe has a delicious taste, and fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Let's explore the steps to create a dish that will delight both family and friends.

Recipe History

Hake is a popular fish in many cultures, appreciated for its delicate flesh and versatility in preparation. Baking fish in tomato sauce has its origins in Mediterranean culinary traditions, where tomatoes are a staple ingredient. This recipe combines the natural flavors of the fish with the richness of the tomato sauce, creating a comforting and savory dish.

Necessary Ingredients

- 4 pieces of hake (about 150g each)
- 1 can of tomatoes in their own juice (about 400g)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 1 medium onion
- 1 can of mushrooms (about 400g)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried mint
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf

Preparation of Ingredients

1. Cleaning the hake: Rinse the hake pieces well under cold water. Make sure to remove any scales or impurities. A simple method is to use a kitchen towel to gently dry them before seasoning.

2. Seasoning the fish: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the hake. These simple seasonings will help highlight the natural flavors of the fish.

3. Preparing the tomato sauce: In a blender, add the can of tomatoes, peeled and halved garlic, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Blend everything until you obtain a smooth sauce. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, providing a more pleasant taste.

4. Slicing the onion: Cut the onion into thin strips (julienne). This will add a sweet flavor and a crunchy texture to the dish.

Assembly and Baking

1. Preparing the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a baking dish, place the hake pieces, making sure to leave a little space between them for even baking.

2. Adding the mushrooms: Drain the canned mushrooms and evenly distribute them over the hake. They will add a rich flavor and pleasant texture.

3. Adding the onion: Sprinkle the onion strips over the hake and mushrooms. The onion will become sweet and aromatic during baking.

4. Pouring the sauce: Pour the previously prepared tomato sauce over all the ingredients in the dish, making sure to cover the fish and mushrooms well.

5. Final seasoning: Sprinkle the basil, mint, thyme, oregano, and add the bay leaf on top. These herbs will enhance the aroma of the dish.

6. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the fish is cooked and flakes easily with a fork. A trick to check if the fish is cooked is to see if it flakes easily into flakes.

Serving Suggestions

To complete this dish, you can serve it with a side of rice or mashed potatoes, which will absorb the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes and olives can add a touch of freshness. Also, a slice of fresh bread or toasted bread is perfect to accompany the rich sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another fish instead of hake?
Yes, you can use other types of white fish, such as cod or tilapia. Make sure to adjust the baking time according to the thickness of the fillet.

2. How can I make the tomato sauce spicier?
Add a pinch of chili flakes or chili sauce to the tomato sauce for an extra kick.

3. What other vegetables can I add?
Vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots can add color and texture to the sauce. Cut them into small pieces and add them to the dish along with the other ingredients.

Nutritional Benefits

This baked hake recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. Hake is an excellent source of protein, with low fat content. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and garlic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the dried herbs add not only flavor but also nutritional benefits.

Possible Variations

To make the recipe more interesting, you can experiment with various herbs and spices. For example, adding fresh dill or parsley can provide a different flavor. Also, replacing the mushrooms with fried eggplant or zucchini can bring a new taste to the dish.

In short, the baked hake in tomato sauce recipe is an excellent option for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. Feel free to adapt it to your preferences and experiment with various ingredients! This is a recipe worth including in your culinary repertoire. With a little effort and love, you will create a dish that will be appreciated by all your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 4 pieces of hake, 1 can of tomatoes in their own juice, 3-4 cloves of garlic, 1 onion, 1 can of mushrooms, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, basil, mint, thyme, oregano, 1 bay leaf, pepper