Sun‑dried tomatoes reinvent traditional Greek-style fish
Greek-style fish is a dish we love for its simplicity and the ability to prepare it in advance. However, the sauce or spices often dominate the flavour, causing the fish to lose its unique qualities. To prevent this and highlight the tenderness of the meat, I always add one ingredient that gives the dish a distinctive character.
Greek-style fish is a classic dish often found on Christmas Eve tables. The combination of fish with vegetables in an aromatic tomato sauce has its loyal fans, but there's a way to make this traditional dish even more flavourful. The secret lies in one simple yet highly effective addition that will surprise everyone at the table.
The secret to the flavour – sun-dried tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are the addition that gives Greek-style fish a new dimension. Just a few chopped pieces are enough for the sauce to gain depth and a pleasant sweetness, perfectly complementing the vegetables and fish. Sun-dried tomatoes also add a slight acidity, making the dish more expressive and a bit less predictable.
Sun-dried tomatoes are a source of natural flavours that wonderfully enrich classic recipes. Their intensity can balance the taste of sweet carrots, tart onions, and tomato sauce. Additionally, they pair well with many types of fish, from delicate cod to more robust salmon.
Recipe for Greek-style fish with sun-dried tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are an unassuming addition that can transform the taste of traditional Greek-style fish. If you want to surprise guests during a holiday dinner, try this modification—they'll surely be delighted.
Ingredients:
- 450 grams of fish fillets (e.g., cod),
- 2 carrots,
- 1 parsley root,
- 1 small celery root,
- 1 onion,
- 4 sun-dried tomatoes,
- 440 mL tomato puree,
- 2 tablespoons of oil,
- Salt and pepper to taste,
- Flour for coating the fish,
- Olive oil for frying.
Preparation:
- Cut the fish into portions, season with salt and pepper, coat in flour, and fry in heated olive oil until lightly browned.
- Grate the vegetables and chop the onion. Fry the onion in oil, add the grated vegetables, sauté until soft, then pour in the tomato puree and season to taste.
- Cut the sun-dried tomatoes into strips and add them to the sauce. Mix everything and simmer briefly.
- In a baking dish, layer the fish and vegetables with the sauce, and refrigerate to allow the flavours to meld.
Alternative additions to Greek-style fish
While sun-dried tomatoes are an excellent choice, it's worth remembering that Greek-style fish also allows for other culinary experiments. If you're looking for new flavours, consider adding olives—both black and green—to bring a bold Mediterranean accent. Another interesting option is to add a touch of capers, whose slightly salty and sour flavour will perfectly highlight the delicacy of the fish. For those who love nutty notes, a fascinating option could be pine nuts or toasted almonds, which will add extra crunch and a unique aroma to the dish.
