Serbian Baked Fish with Vegetables (Riba na Srpski Način)
A flavorful and simple baked fish dish, often prepared with white fish, layered with potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, and seasoned with paprika and other traditional spices. It's a comforting meal that highlights fresh ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g White fish fillets(e.g., hake, cod, or carp, skin on or off)
- 500 g Potatoes(peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 large Onion(thinly sliced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(sliced)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tsp Paprika(sweet or smoked)
- to taste Vegeta or salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 3 tbsp Oil(vegetable or sunflower oil)
- 60 ml White wine(optional)
- 2 tbsp Parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an ovenproof dish.
💡 Tip: A shallow, wide dish works best for even cooking. - 2
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the paprika.
💡 Tip: Seasoning each layer ensures flavor throughout the dish. - 3
Top the potatoes with the sliced onions and minced garlic. Add the sliced tomatoes over the onions.
- 4
Place the fish fillets on top of the tomato layer. Drizzle with oil and optional white wine. Season the fish with salt, pepper, and the remaining paprika.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the dish; leave some space for steam to circulate. - 5
Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the fish is cooked through.
- 6
Remove the foil/lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
💡 Tip: This step helps to develop a nice texture on the fish and vegetables. - 7
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot, with the juices from the dish spooned over.
💡 Tip: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a fish that holds its shape well when baked, like hake or cod.
- ✓Adjust the amount of paprika to your preference for color and flavor.
- ✓If you don't have white wine, you can use a little extra water or fish broth.
- ✓This dish is excellent served with a side of ajvar or a simple green salad.
🔄 Variations
- Add sliced bell peppers or zucchini to the vegetable layers.
- Incorporate a bay leaf into the dish for added aroma.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.