Family recipes carry more than just the taste of home; they hold stories, traditions, and love passed down through generations. This dish, inspired by my grandma from Odessa, is no exception. Combining the flavors of the sea, earthy vegetables, and aromatic spices, it’s a meal that’s both affordable and bursting with flavor. Let me take you on a culinary journey to recreate this simple yet delicious recipe—a testament to the beauty of humble ingredients elevated with care and creativity.

A Nostalgic Connection to Odessa

Odessa, a vibrant port city on the Black Sea, is known for its rich culinary heritage. The cuisine reflects a fusion of diverse influences, including Russian, Ukrainian, and Mediterranean flavors. My grandma’s recipe for baked fish with potatoes and a medley of vegetables is a perfect representation of this melting pot of cultures.

This dish is not just about food; it’s about the memories of family dinners, the aroma of fresh fish sizzling in the oven, and the warmth of grandma’s kitchen.

Ingredients: Simple and Accessible

One of the reasons this recipe is so beloved is its simplicity. The ingredients are affordable, widely available, and come together to create a meal that feels both hearty and wholesome.

Main Ingredients:

• Fish: Saury, a budget-friendly yet flavorful fish, is the star of the dish. Its tender meat absorbs the spices beautifully.
• Potatoes: A staple in many households, potatoes provide the perfect starchy base for the meal.
• Aromatic Vegetables: Onion, garlic, and red pepper add depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Greens: Rocket salad introduces a fresh, peppery note, balancing the richness of the fish and potatoes.

Seasonings and Spices:

• A blend of salt, black pepper, paprika, Provençal herbs, and dry garlic infuses the dish with warmth and complexity.
• Oil and butter create a luscious, golden crust on the vegetables and fish.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Cooking this dish is as enjoyable as eating it. The process is straightforward, making it accessible even to novice cooks.

Preparing the Fish 🐟

1.      Clean and Marinate:
Begin by rinsing 700 g of saury thoroughly, removing the entrails to ensure a clean and fresh flavor.

2.      Season Generously:
In a bowl, mix ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dry garlic, ½ teaspoon of Provençal herbs, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Coat the fish in this aromatic marinade, cover with cling film, and let it rest for 20 minutes. This step allows the spices to penetrate the fish, enhancing its flavor.

Preparing the Potatoes and Vegetables 🥔🌶️

3.      Boil the Potatoes:
Cut 7 potatoes in half, place them in a pot of water with ½ tablespoon of salt, and cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes until tender. Boiling the potatoes beforehand ensures they’ll be perfectly soft when baked with the fish.

4.      Chop and Sauté:
While the potatoes cook, finely chop 1 onion and spread it over a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Baking the Fish and Potatoes 🍽️

5.      Layer and Bake:
Once the potatoes are boiled, arrange them on top of the onions on the baking tray. Place the marinated fish over the potatoes and cover the tray with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes.

6.      Add a Final Touch:
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step allows the fish to develop a golden, slightly crispy surface.

Creating the Vegetable Medley 🥗

7.      Sauté Aromatics:
In a pan, heat 3 tablespoons of oil and 20 g of butter. Add 1 chopped onion and fry until soft and translucent.

8.      Add Garlic and Pepper:
Crush 2 garlic cloves and fry them for 30-40 seconds, then add 1 chopped red pepper. Season with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and Provençal herbs, frying for 2 minutes to release the flavors.

9.      Incorporate Potatoes and Greens:
Add the boiled potatoes to the pan, mixing well to coat them in the aromatic oil and butter. Stir in 100 g of rocket salad, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. The rocket wilts slightly, adding a fresh, herbal note to the dish.

Serving the Dish

Once the fish is baked to perfection and the vegetable medley is ready, it’s time to assemble and serve.

• Place the baked fish and potatoes on a large serving platter, with the vegetable medley arranged alongside.
• Garnish with additional fresh rocket salad or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

This dish is best enjoyed warm, with the tender fish, buttery potatoes, and vibrant vegetables creating a symphony of flavors and textures.

Why This Recipe is a Treasure

1.      Affordable Ingredients:
With simple, budget-friendly ingredients, this recipe is accessible to everyone.

2.      Healthy and Nutritious:
Packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber, it’s a balanced meal that supports a healthy lifestyle.

3.      Versatility:
While saury is the recommended fish, you can substitute it with other varieties like mackerel or sardines. The recipe is adaptable to your preferences and pantry.

4.      Cultural Heritage:
This dish embodies the culinary traditions of Odessa, combining fresh, local ingredients with simple cooking techniques.

5.      Family-Friendly:
The mild flavors and comforting textures make it a hit with both adults and children.

A Lesson from Grandma

My grandma’s cooking philosophy was rooted in making the most of what you have. She believed that food doesn’t have to be extravagant to be memorable—it just needs to be made with love and care.

This recipe, with its thoughtful combination of ingredients and techniques, reflects her wisdom. It’s not just a meal; it’s a reminder of her resourcefulness and the joy of sharing food with loved ones.

Conclusion

This fish and potato dish, inspired by my grandma from Odessa, is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and time-honored techniques. It’s a recipe that nourishes both the body and the soul, bringing people together around the table.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress. So why not give it a try? With a few affordable ingredients and a little effort, you can create a meal that’s as delicious as it is meaningful.

#healthyrecipes #familydinner #fishrecipes #bakedfish 🐟🍽️