Equrdouce of Fysshe: A Sweet and Sour Delight from Medieval Europe
Overview
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Years ago, I was gifted a cookbook that transported me back in time, offering a glimpse into the culinary delights of medieval Europe while skillfully adapting them to modern-day ingredients. Among the numerous recipes that caught my attention, this particular fish dish stood out as my favorite, delightfully transformed to suit my taste buds. The magic of this recipe lies in its sweet and sour sauce, which has the remarkable ability to enchant even those who are typically averse to fish. However, do bear in mind that the sauce leans towards the sweeter side, so if you’re not a fan of sweetness in your savory dishes, you might want to adjust accordingly. For those who prefer a little saltiness, I recommend keeping a salt shaker on the table, as I prepare this dish without added salt. Notably, the cooking time includes a 15-minute marination period that allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | cups of flour |
| 1/4 | cup of onion, finely chopped |
| 1 | cup of white wine |
| 1/4 | cup of cider vinegar |
| 3/4 | cup of brown sugar |
| 1/4 | teaspoon of allspice |
| 1/4 | teaspoon of pepper |
| 1/4 | teaspoon of clove |
| 1/4 | teaspoon of mace |
| 1/8 | teaspoon of nutmeg |
| 1/2 | cup of raisins |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 304.7 |
| Total Fat | 8.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 99.9 mg |
| Sodium | 81.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 17.1 g |
| Protein | 28.1 g |
Instructions
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Preparation of Fish: Begin by cutting the fish fillets into large chunks. This will help them cook evenly while providing a hearty bite for each serving. Once cut, dredge the fish pieces in the flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will give the fish a light crust when sautéed, adding texture and aiding in the sauce’s adherence.
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Sautéing the Onion: In a large, heavy saucepan, heat a generous splash of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent. This process usually takes about 5 minutes. The aim is to soften the onion and release its natural sweetness, which will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
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Browning the Fish: Next, gently place the dredged fish chunks into the saucepan with the sautéed onion. Allow the fish to brown slightly, turning carefully to prevent breaking. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor, setting the stage for the sweet and sour sauce that will soon envelop the dish.
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Making the Sauce: While the fish and onion are cooking, take a moment to prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the white wine, cider vinegar, brown sugar, allspice, pepper, clove, mace, nutmeg, and raisins. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a cohesive mixture. The balance of flavors here is key, and the raisins will add a delightful burst of sweetness amidst the savory elements.
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Combining Everything: Once the fish is nicely browned, pour the prepared sauce over the fish and onions in the saucepan. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the fish is well coated. Afterward, turn off the stove. This is where the magic happens; cover the saucepan and let it marinate for 15 minutes. This resting period allows the fish to soak in the flavors of the sauce, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds.
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Final Cooking: After the marination, turn the burner back on to medium heat. Simmer the mixture uncovered for about 5 minutes. During this time, the fish should begin to flake easily, indicating that it is perfectly cooked. Additionally, the liquid will reduce slightly, creating a more concentrated sauce that clings beautifully to the fish.
Serving Suggestions
Once the dish is ready, serve it hot, allowing the sweet and sour aroma to fill the room. For an authentic touch, pair it with crusty bread or a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delightful sauce. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or simply to elevate a weeknight dinner, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Whether you are hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, the Equrdouce of Fysshe promises to be a delightful centerpiece on your table. Its unique blend of medieval charm and contemporary flavor is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests and family alike. Enjoy this flavorful journey back in time, one delicious bite at a time!
