Moldovan Baked Fish with Sour Cream and Dill
A simple yet elegant dish where tender white fish is baked in a creamy sour cream sauce infused with fresh dill and garlic. This recipe highlights the fresh flavors of Moldovan cuisine, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
๐ง Ingredients
- 600 g White fish fillets (e.g., cod, pike-perch, or carp)
- 200 g Sour cream
- 3 tbsp Fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Butter or vegetable oil (for greasing)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Grease a baking dish with butter or oil.
๐ก Tip: Ensuring the dish is well-greased prevents the fish from sticking. - 2
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper.
๐ก Tip: Drying the fish helps in achieving a better texture when baked. - 3
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, chopped dill, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix well.
๐ก Tip: Fresh dill provides the best flavor, but dried dill can be used in a pinch (use about 1 tsp dried). - 4
Place the seasoned fish fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sour cream and dill mixture evenly over the fish.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the sauce covers the fish for even cooking and flavor distribution. - 5
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
๐ก Tip: Avoid overcooking the fish, as it can become dry. - 6
Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh dill if desired. This dish pairs well with mฤmฤligฤ, boiled potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
๐ก Tip: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โYou can add a pinch of nutmeg to the sour cream mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- โIf you prefer a richer sauce, you can use a mix of sour cream and heavy cream.
- โFor a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sour cream mixture.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add thinly sliced onions or leeks to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the fish.
- Incorporate other herbs like parsley or chives along with the dill.
- For a golden crust, you can sprinkle a little grated cheese on top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.