Plachie de Caras cu Mămăligă
Baked Crucian Carp with Polenta
A traditional Romanian fish dish featuring crucian carp baked with aromatic vegetables and herbs, served alongside creamy mămăligă (polenta). This dish highlights the simple, fresh flavors of Romanian cuisine, especially in regions with abundant waterways.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 medium Crucian carp(cleaned and scaled, about 300-400g each)
- 2 medium Onions(thinly sliced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(sliced)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper(thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 100 ml White wine(dry)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 200 g Cornmeal(for mămăligă)
- 800 ml Water(for mămăligă)
- 50 g Butter(for mămăligă)
- 50 g Cheese(grated, optional, for mămăligă)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated for even cooking. - 2
Make 2-3 diagonal slits on each side of the cleaned carp. Season the fish inside and out with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Slits help the fish cook evenly and absorb flavors. - 3
In a baking dish large enough to hold the fish and vegetables, arrange half of the sliced onions, tomatoes, and bell pepper. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with half of the minced garlic, dill, and parsley. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Creating a bed of vegetables helps keep the fish moist. - 4
Place the seasoned carp on top of the vegetable bed. Stuff the cavity of each fish with a few slices of onion and tomato.
💡 Tip: Stuffing the cavity adds extra flavor and moisture. - 5
Scatter the remaining sliced onions, tomatoes, and bell pepper around the fish. Sprinkle with the remaining minced garlic, dill, and parsley. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and pour the white wine into the bottom of the dish.
💡 Tip: The wine will steam and add flavor to the fish and vegetables. - 6
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- 7
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized.
💡 Tip: Check for doneness by gently pressing the thickest part of the fish. - 8
While the fish is baking, prepare the mămăligă: Bring 800ml of water to a boil in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
💡 Tip: Constant stirring is key to a smooth mămăligă. - 9
Stir in the butter and grated cheese (if using) into the mămăligă. Season with salt to taste.
💡 Tip: Butter and cheese add richness and flavor to the polenta. - 10
Serve the baked carp immediately with a generous portion of hot mămăligă.
💡 Tip: The contrast between the savory fish and creamy polenta is delightful.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If crucian carp is unavailable, other freshwater fish like carp or even trout can be used.
- ✓For a richer flavor, a tablespoon of tomato paste can be added to the vegetable mixture.
- ✓A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fish just before serving can brighten the flavors.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a few capers to the vegetable mixture for a briny kick.
- Incorporate sliced mushrooms for added earthiness.
- Serve with a side of Romanian pickles (murături) for a tangy contrast.