Escabeche
Escabeche is a zesty marinated fish dish featuring a blend of fresh vegetables and fragrant spices. This method combines sautéed onions, tomatoes, olives, and white wine, creating a refreshing meal that embodies Mediterranean and Latin flavours.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
1 orange1 lb tomatoes
1 cup olives
1 red onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 cup white wine
2 tbsp olive oil
1.50 lb white fish
1 tbsp fresh thyme
Escabeche is a delightful and tangy dish featuring marinated fish, commonly enjoyed in many Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines. It's a perfect blend of savory and aromatic flavors, making it a great choice for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Instructions:
- Peel & slice the orange: Peel the orange and separate it into segments. Keep extra juice in case you need it later.
- Chop the tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into medium-sized chunks.
- Slice the olives: Slice the olives into rings or halves, depending on your preference.
- Slice the onion: Thinly slice the red onion.
- Mince the garlic: Finely chop the garlic cloves.
- Chop the thyme: Finely chop the fresh thyme if not already chopped.
- Lay the fish in a shallow dish. Sprinkle with a quarter of the cumin and half the thyme. Set aside while preparing the vegetables.
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, and orange segments, and sprinkle with the remaining cumin. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the white wine, and stir. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In another pan or the same skillet (once vegetables are transferred to a plate), heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the fish fillets to the pan, cooking each side for about 3-4 minutes or until the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
- Once cooked, transfer the fish to a plate.
- Return the vegetable mixture to the skillet. Add the olives and the rest of the fresh thyme. Stir to combine.
- Nestle the cooked fish fillets into the vegetable mixture.
- Spoon some of the sauce over the fish and let it simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Carefully remove the fish and vegetable mixture from the skillet onto a serving dish.
- Drizzle any remaining sauce over the fish and vegetables.
- Garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired.
- Serve the Escabeche hot, accompanied by your choice of sides such as rice, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.
Escabeche is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed warm or cold. The marination of the fish in a mix of citrus, wine, and aromatic spices creates a delicious harmony that is sure to impress. Pair it with a light salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Escabeche FAQ:
White fish like cod, tilapia, or snapper work well for Escabeche. These fish are tender and flake easily, complementing the marinade and vegetables.
For best results, marinate the fish for at least 30 minutes with the spices before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fish, enhancing its taste.
Yes, you can prepare Escabeche a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors improve as they meld overnight.
A large skillet or frying pan (approximately 12-14 inches) is ideal for cooking the vegetables and fish together while ensuring even cooking.
If you don't have white wine, you can substitute it with a mix of vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) or use a non-alcoholic white wine alternative for similar acidity.
Tips:
- Ensure the fish is fresh to get the best flavor and texture.
- Use a non-reactive dish, such as glass or ceramic, for marinating the fish to avoid any metallic taste.
- You can adjust the amount of garlic and cumin to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Consider adding a bit of chili pepper if you enjoy a spicy kick in your dishes.
- Make sure to let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes to fully absorb the flavors.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 380kcal
Protein 36g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 4.76g
Sugar 9g
Fat 24g
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