Peixe Assado com Molho de Pimento e Tomate
Whole fish baked to perfection and served with a vibrant sauce made from bell peppers, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, a staple in coastal communities.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Whole fish(e.g., sea bream, snapper, cleaned and scaled)
- 2 medium Bell peppers(1 red, 1 green, deseeded and chopped)
- 1 large Onions(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or diced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Chili flakes(or to taste)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
💡 Tip: Ensure oven rack is in the middle position. - 2
Make a few diagonal slits on both sides of each fish. Season the cavity and the slits generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Stuff the cavities with lemon slices and a few sprigs of parsley if desired. - 3
In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peppers start to soften.
- 5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
💡 Tip: Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick. - 6
Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning carefully. - 7
Place the seasoned fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish. Pour half of the pepper and tomato sauce over and around the fish.
💡 Tip: Ensure the sauce coats the fish well. - 8
Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the fish.
💡 Tip: Baste the fish with the sauce halfway through baking. - 9
Serve the baked fish hot, spooning the remaining sauce over it. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro.
💡 Tip: This dish is traditionally served with rice or boiled yams.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Choose fresh, firm fish for the best results.
- ✓Don't overcook the fish, as it can become dry.
- ✓Adjust the chili flakes to control the heat level of the sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of ground coriander to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- You can also grill the fish instead of baking it, and serve it with the sauce on the side.