Mediterranean Style Baked Fish

This week I will be posting a couple of Mediterranean and plant-based inspired recipes. Here in Dubai we are still pretty much on lock-down so a lot of cooking is going on. Try this classic Mediterranean fish recipe, It is super healthy and delicious. It is very simple to make and is pact full of flavour and you can use whatever fresh herbs you have at hand. Fresh coriander is also delicious instead of parsley.

Servings: 4 | Total Time: 45 min

Ingredients

3 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced

2 tbsp olive oil, or more as needed

1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

1 tablespoon minced fresh hot chili, like jalapeno, or more to taste

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried

3 cloves garlic, sliced

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 large whole fish or 2 smaller ones (2 to 3 pounds total), like striped bass, or trout; gutted and boned

2 lemons, sliced

4 to 6 sprigs fresh thyme

3 spring onions (Garnish)

1 Cup of fresh parsley (Garnish)

Directions

1. Heat oven to (230°C) 450° F

2. Combine 2 cups cherry tomatoes, (Keep 1 cup for the garnish) 2 tablespoons olive oil, chili, oregano, garlic, bell pepper and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Set aside to rest.

3. Meanwhile, using a sharp knife, make four diagonal, parallel slashes on each side of fish, just about down to the bone. Sprinkle inside of fish with salt and pepper, then stuff the fish with the mixture. Put the remaining mixture around the fish.

4. Drizzle some olive oil on top of the fish, season with salt and pepper, and add the lemon slices and thyme sprigs.

5. To roast, put fish in roasting pan and cook for about 20 minutes (cooking time will depend on fish size). Whether roasting or grilling, fish is done when exterior is crisp and a thin-bladed knife passes easily through the flesh.

6. Serve fish with some freshly diced cherry tomatoes, spring onions and fresh parsley. You can eat this dish with bread or roasted potatoes. We usually eat it with a salad and some grilled garlic bread. Enjoy!