| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 276 | 12g | 2g | 6g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 35g | 0.4g |
Why I Love Chilean Baked Hake Fillet
There’s a sense of culinary wonder that comes with the exploration of foreign cuisines, and I’m thrilled to share with you a savory treat from Chile’s flavorful repertoire – the delectable Baked Hake Fillet. At first glance, it might seem an unlikely pick for an Afro-Southern fusion devotee like myself. But over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how diverse worldwide gastronomies can enrich my cooking with delightful surprises. This dish was one of those epicurean discoveries.
The Magic of Chilean Cuisine
Chilean cuisine is a delightful blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, bearing several tantalizing seafood delicacies, and the Baked Hake Fillet is no exception. I was first introduced to this dish by the renowned Chilean chef Boragó’s Rodolfo Guzmán, whose genius in layering flavors left a sizeable impression on my culinary perspective.
The Fusion Factor
Despite originating from a distinctly different culinary tradition, the Baked Hake Fillet shares intriguing similarities with some of the West African fish dishes I grew up savoring. The finely chopped fresh tomatoes, the zing of the garlic, and the dazzling display of bell peppers intermingle wonderfully in the baked hake recipe, echoing flavors of a Nigerian baked fish stew. As such, it dances beautifully on the plate alongside Jollof rice, or even a slice of good old Southern cornbread, making it a versatile addition to any menu.
What I love most about this dish, however, is how seamlessly it brings together simple ingredients to create a symphony of taste. Olive oil, onion, garlic, and wine form a base flavor that can make any seafood enthusiast’s heart skip a beat. The addition of paprika gives it a mild peppery twist, while the capers and black olives take it into a terrain of satisfying Mediterranean tang. The chopped fresh parsley adds an aromatic freshness to the dish, and the lemon slices round out the flavor profile with a juiciness that I absolutely love.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, I believe you’ll find joy in the simplicity and rich flavor of this Baked Hake Fillet. In my home, this dish leaves a streak of culinary wanderlust as it recollects the incredible loveliness of Chile’s shoreline, punctuated happily by my love for all things Afro-Southern. So, I invite you to try it for an epic taste adventure. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 2.5 pounds of hake fillets
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups of fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of white wine
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 6 black olives, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of capers
- Lemon slices for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Step Two
Next, take the hake fillets and season them with salt, pepper and paprika on both sides. Then, place them in an oven-safe dish.
Step Three
In a medium-sized frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion, peppers, garlic, and tomatoes. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.
Step Four
Now, stir in the white wine, capers and olives into the pan. Let it simmer for about two to three minutes so that the flavors can blend together.
Step Five
Once your vegetable and wine mixture is ready, pour it over the hake fillets that you have in the oven-safe dish. Make sure all the fillets are covered with the mixture.
Step Six
Now, place your dish in the preheated oven and bake the fish for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to check on it occasionally, as cooking times may vary based on the thickness of your fillets.
Step Seven
Once the hake fillets are done baking, remove your dish from the oven. Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top of the fish and garnish with lemon slices.
Step Eight
Finally, let the fillets sit for a few minutes before serving, this lets the flavors meld together. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful baked hake fillets.
