Italian Recipes

Baked Red Mullet with Fennel, Olives, and Orange Zest

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Baked Red Mullet with Fennel, Tomatoes, and Olives (Triglie al Cartoccio)

Category: Main Courses
Serves: 4

This delightful Italian dish, Triglie al Cartoccio, is the perfect way to enjoy red mullet, tenderly baked in parchment paper with fresh, aromatic ingredients. The combination of fennel, ripe tomatoes, Gaeta olives, and a touch of orange zest brings out the delicate flavor of the fish, while the basil and extra virgin olive oil add a fresh, savory finish. This simple yet elegant recipe makes for a flavorful meal that is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

Ingredient Quantity
Red Mullet (Triglie) 450g
Fennel 100g
Ripe Tomatoes (Pomodori Ramati) 140g
Gaeta Olives 40g
Orange Zest (Scorza d’Arancia) 1
Fresh Basil 4 leaves
Extra Virgin Olive Oil to taste
Sea Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:

    • Start by preparing the fennel. Cut off the fronds (keeping them aside for later use) and slice the fennel bulb thinly.
    • Wash and pit the Gaeta olives, placing them in a small bowl.
    • Clean the tomatoes by cutting off the stems with a V-shaped incision. Slice them in half, then cut into strips and dice them into small cubes about 1 cm in size.
  2. Clean the Fish:

    • Rinse the red mullet thoroughly under cold running water. Using kitchen scissors, make a small incision along the belly and remove the innards. Rinse the fish inside and out to ensure they are thoroughly clean.
  3. Assemble the Parchment Paper Packets:

    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Lay out four sheets of parchment paper on a flat surface. Start by placing a layer of sliced fennel on each sheet, creating a bed for the fish.
    • Next, add the diced tomatoes and Gaeta olives. Top with some fennel fronds and a sprinkle of grated orange zest for a citrusy aroma.
    • Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add a fresh basil leaf to each packet for added fragrance and flavor.
  4. Bake the Fish:

    • Carefully place a cleaned red mullet on top of the fennel, tomatoes, and olives in each parchment paper packet. Fold the sides of the parchment paper over the fish, crimping the edges to seal the packets securely.
    • Arrange the sealed packets on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little more olive oil.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Serve:

    • Once done, carefully open the parchment paper packets and serve the fish immediately, savoring the wonderful aromas that have infused the red mullet during baking.

Enjoy your aromatic, tender Triglie al Cartoccio, a flavorful dish that combines the best of Italian coastal cuisine with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion!


Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Nutrient Amount
Calories 250 kcal
Protein 22g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fat 15g
Fiber 3g
Sodium 400mg

This recipe brings out the fresh, delicate flavors of red mullet while showcasing the versatility of fennel, tomatoes, and olives. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time in the oven, you’ll have a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s full of flavor and aromatic herbs.

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