Albanian Baked Fish with Vegetables
A simple yet flavorful baked fish dish, common in coastal Albanian cuisine. Fresh white fish is layered with a medley of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and a touch of olive oil, then baked until tender and flaky. It's a healthy and delicious way to enjoy the bounty of the Adriatic.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 x 150g fillets White fish fillets (e.g., sea bass, bream, cod)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Lemon, thinly sliced
- 4 Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 200 g Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium Zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 medium Bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
- 1 small Red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 50 ml White wine (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the baking dish is greased prevents the fish and vegetables from sticking. - 2
Arrange the sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion in the bottom of the baking dish. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Layering the vegetables first creates a bed for the fish and allows them to soften. - 3
Place the fish fillets on top of the vegetables. Season the fish with salt and pepper. Top each fillet with lemon slices and garlic slices.
💡 Tip: Placing lemon and garlic on top infuses the fish with their flavors during baking. - 4
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the fish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and dill.
💡 Tip: Tomatoes add moisture and a slight sweetness as they bake. - 5
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the fish and vegetables. If using, pour the white wine into the dish.
💡 Tip: The olive oil helps to keep the fish moist and aids in browning. - 6
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil (or a lid). Bake for 20 minutes.
💡 Tip: Covering the dish initially steams the fish and vegetables, ensuring they cook through evenly. - 7
Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the vegetables are tender.
💡 Tip: Uncovering allows the top to brown slightly and the liquid to reduce. - 8
Serve hot, spooning some of the baked vegetables and juices over the fish.
💡 Tip: This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use fresh, high-quality fish for the best results.
- ✓Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes (sliced thinly), leeks, or even some olives.
- ✓A pinch of dried oregano or a bay leaf can add extra aromatic complexity.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of lemon juice just before serving for extra brightness.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the herbs.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, use 1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs.