In Basque cuisine, a region in the north of Spain, there exists a flavorful and comforting dish called Merluza en Salsa Verde or Hake in a Green Sauce. This traditional recipe combines tender hake fillets with a vibrant green sauce made from fresh parsley, olive oil, garlic, and white wine. The result is a delightful harmony of flavors that showcases the delicate taste of the fish while adding a burst of freshness and complexity. This article offers two variations of the Merluza en Salsa Verde recipe, allowing you to explore the versatility of this classic dish. The first recipe presents the traditional method of preparation, highlighting the simplicity and authenticity of Basque cuisine. The second recipe introduces an innovative approach, using a blender to create a smooth and velvety green sauce, adding a modern twist to this timeless dish. Whether you prefer the classic or the contemporary version, both recipes promise a delightful culinary experience that embodies the spirit of Basque gastronomy.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
FISH WITH SPANISH GREEN SAUCE
I am using cusk, hake or cod here, but any fish will work, as would chicken or pork or other white meats.
Provided by Hank Shaw
Categories lunch Main Course
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Salt and pepper the fish and set aside while you chop the vegetables and herbs.
- Set a cooling rack over a baking sheet and put that in the oven. Set the oven to 200°F.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a small pan and gently cook the onion until it is golden and translucent. Don't brown it. Turn off the heat and let everything sit for now.
- Heat the rest of the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. While it is heating up, dust the fish with flour. Press the flour in, then shake off the excess. Fry the fish in the olive oil until nicely browned on both sides, about four minutes per side. Move the fish to the rack in the oven as it browns.
- When the fish is ready, move the onion and as much of the oil as you can scrape out of the little pan into the pan you cooked the fish in. Let this heat up, adding the garlic now. Let all this cook a minute or two.
- Pour in the wine, bring it to a boil and let it roll a minute or two, then pour in the fish stock. Bring this to a boil and let it cook down for a couple minutes. Taste it for salt and add some if needed. Add all the herbs and cayenne and stir to combine. Let this cook 1 minute, then turn off the heat. Add black pepper and lemon juice to taste.
- Pour some sauce over the fish on everyone's plate and serve with crusty bread, potatoes or rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 279 kcal, Carbohydrate 6 g, Protein 22 g, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 49 mg, Sodium 268 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving
MERLUZA EN SALSA VERDE (HAKE IN A GREEN SAUCE)
Steps:
- Carefully clean, rinse and pat dry the hake. Sprinkle the fillets lightly with salt.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large, heavy skillet. Add the garlic and cook until the garlic just begins to color, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over and mix thoroughly, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1 cup of water, the clam broth or juice, wine, parsley and salt to taste. Decrease the heat to medium and cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thick or just barely coats the back of a wooden spoon, about 5 minutes. You can add more cold water to loosen up the sauce if necessary.
- Add the hake to the pan, skin-side up, in a single layer. Cook the hake fillets in the sauce for 2 minutes, swirling the pan constantly and sliding the pan on and off the fire until the hake fillets give off some of their gelatin and emulsify with the rest of the sauce. Flip the hake fillets once and cook until the fish is opaque but not overcooked, another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. The sauce should be very light green and slightly thick but still loose and light. Serve immediately.;
HAKE IN GREEN SAUCE
Categories Fish Dinner Pea Gourmet Sugar Conscious Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Makes 6 main-course servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Make fish stock:
- Put fish bones or flap and tail in a 2-quart saucepan (set aside steaks or fillets) and add water, onion, parsley sprigs, and one third of garlic, then gently simmer, covered, 20 minutes. Pour through a fine-mesh or cheesecloth-lined sieve into a small bowl, pressing hard on solids and then discarding them (you will have about 1 cup stock).
- Cook fish:
- Pat fish dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat oil and remaining garlic in cazuela over low heat until garlic begins to sizzle. Add half of minced parsley and all of fish, skin sides up if fillets, then start gently swirling pot, holding onto both handles (it helps to plant your feet apart from each other) so fish moves slowly around edge of bottom of pot and oil laps over it. Cook fish, swirling pot, until bottom 1/2 inch of fish turns white, about 5 minutes. Carefully turn fish over and continue cooking, swirling pot and adding 1 or 2 tablespoons of stock every minute or two, until sauce is emulsified and fish is almost cooked through, about 10 minutes. (You will use about 1/2 cup stock.) Add peas and remaining minced parsley and cook, swirling pot, until peas are warm and fish is just cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes.
Tips:
- To make sure the sauce is smooth, blend it until it reaches a creamy consistency.
- If you don't have a blender, you can use a food processor or even mash the ingredients together with a fork.
- For a more flavorful sauce, use a variety of herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, and chives.
- If you want a thicker sauce, add a little bit of cornstarch or flour.
- Serve the hake with your favorite sides, such as rice, potatoes, or vegetables.
Conclusion:
Merluza en salsa verde is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. With its combination of fresh herbs, tangy capers, and creamy sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and flavorful seafood recipe, give this hake in a green sauce a try.
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