Spanish Baked Sea Bream, a celebrated dish rich in Mediterranean flavors, is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. This dish begins with preheating the oven to a sizzling 200°C (392°F), preparing it to coax out the flavors of the fresh ingredients. A baking dish is lightly greased with high-quality olive oil, setting the stage for a colorful vegetable bed. Sliced onions, ripe tomatoes, and vibrant red and yellow bell peppers are evenly arranged, creating a harmonious base that not only enhances the flavor but also adds a visual appeal.
The star of the show, the sea bream, is seasoned both inside and out with a robust blend of salt, black pepper, and paprika, lending it a touch of warmth and depth. Each fish is then thoughtfully stuffed with slices of juicy lemon, aromatic garlic, and freshly chopped parsley, infusing the fish with zesty and herbal notes as it bakes.
The seasoned fish are placed on top of the vegetable bed, and a final drizzle of olive oil enhances their natural succulence. Pouring white wine around the fish and vegetables, not over them, ensures a moist cooking environment, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
After baking for 25-30 minutes, the fish emerges perfectly cooked, flaking easily with a fork and imbued with the melded flavors of citrus, garlic, and wine. Served alongside the roasted vegetables and the flavorful juices from the baking dish, the Spanish Baked Sea Bream captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. This dish is a testament to the power of fresh, simple ingredients combined in a harmony that epitomizes the culinary artistry of Spain.
Ingredients
2 sea bream fish (cleaned and scaled)
4 tbsp olive oil
2 lemons (sliced)
4 garlic cloves (sliced)
1 bunch fresh parsley (chopped)
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
1 tsp paprika
1/2 cup white wine
1 onion (sliced)
2 tomatoes (sliced)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Lay the sliced onion, tomatoes, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper evenly in the baking dish.
4. Season the sea bream fish with salt, black pepper, and paprika, both inside and out.
5. Stuff each fish cavity with slices of lemon, garlic, and a generous amount of chopped parsley.
6. Arrange the fish on top of the vegetable bed in the baking dish.
7. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the fish.
8. Pour the white wine around the fish and vegetables in the baking dish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
10. Serve the baked sea bream with the roasted vegetables and juice from the baking dish.