Fish fillet

Fish Plachie: a delicious and easy-to-make recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Fish Plachie is a traditional dish from Romanian cuisine, full of flavor and perfect for a family meal. In this recipe, we will use mackerel, but you can experiment with various types of fish, such as trout or salmon. Here’s how to achieve a perfect result!

Ingredients:
- 2 fish (mackerel or other fish of your choice)
- 3 large onions, sliced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 3 tomatoes, peeled and diced (or 1 cup of tomato paste)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 100 ml sunflower oil
- Spices: salt, pepper, sweet paprika, thyme
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Prepare the fish: Start by cleaning and cutting the fish into suitable pieces (about 4-5 cm). Make sure to remove all bones if necessary. Season each piece with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sweet paprika for extra flavor. Then, coat the fish pieces in flour, ensuring they are evenly covered.

2. Brown the fish: In a deep pan, add the oil and heat it well. Then, add the fish pieces and brown them on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden. Do not overcrowd the pan; otherwise, they will not brown evenly. Once browned, remove the fish to a plate and set aside.

3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the grated carrot and diced bell pepper, continuing to sauté the vegetables for another 3-4 minutes. These will add a special flavor to the plachie.

4. Add the tomatoes: If you choose to use fresh tomatoes, peel and dice them, then add them to the pan along with the chopped garlic. If using tomato paste, add it now. Cook the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors combine.

5. Combine everything: Place the browned fish pieces over the sautéed vegetables. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent burning. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Here, the fish will absorb the flavors of the vegetables.

6. Finalize the dish: After the time is up, taste the sauce and adjust the spices to your liking. You can add a little dried thyme for a more intense flavor. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a touch of freshness.

Serving suggestions: Fish plachie is served warm, alongside polenta or boiled rice. The savory taste of the fish combined with the vegetables makes this dish a true feast! You can also add a fresh green salad or pickles for a pleasant contrast.

Variations: You can experiment with various combinations of vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to give a personal touch to your recipe. You can also add olives or capers for a Mediterranean taste.

This fish plachie recipe is perfect for a quick yet special dinner. Whether you prepare it for family or friends, it will surely impress! Enjoy every bite and savor the rich flavors of this traditional dish!