Whole Baked Fish (Mediterranean, Middle Eastern)

This dish is a centerpiece in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, where fresh, whole fish is seasoned with fragrant herbs, spices, and olive oil, then baked to tender perfection. The flavors are simple yet bold, often featuring lemon, garlic, parsley, and warm spices like cumin or sumac.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole fish (sea bass, snapper, or branzino), cleaned and scaled (about 2-3 lbs)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch fresh parsley (or cilantro), roughly chopped
• 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon sumac (optional, for a tangy flavor)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, onions, bell peppers), sliced (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil a baking dish.

2. Prepare the fish:

   • Rinse the fish thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Make 2-3 diagonal slits on both sides of the fish, being careful not to cut too deep into the flesh.

3. Season the fish:

   • In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, cumin, sumac (if using), olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub this mixture generously inside the cavity of the fish and over the outside, making sure to get it into the slits.

4. Stuff the fish:

   • Stuff the cavity of the fish with lemon slices, some fresh parsley, and a sprig of thyme or rosemary (optional).

5. Add vegetables (optional):

   • If using, scatter sliced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers around the fish in the baking dish. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

6. Bake the fish:

   • Bake the fish in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. The fish is ready when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

7. Serve:

   • Garnish the baked fish with extra fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve alongside the roasted vegetables, fresh pita bread, or rice for a complete meal.

Tips:

• If you want an extra crispy skin, you can drizzle a bit more olive oil on the fish and switch the oven to broil for the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning.
• This dish pairs beautifully with a light side salad, like a cucumber and yogurt salad, or tabbouleh for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

This whole baked fish is an elegant yet simple dish that showcases the freshness of the ingredients while keeping the flavors vibrant and balanced. Perfect for a special dinner or a healthy, flavorful weeknight meal.

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