| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 345 | 18g | 3g | 7g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 2g | 38g | 1.3g |
Why I Love Italian Mediterranean Orata
From the heart of Italy’s coastline, Mediterranean Orata is a treasured dish that speaks to my love for amalgamating the traditional with the contemporary. Combining rich flavors of the Mediterranean with a hint of southern charm, inspired by my Texan heritage, sums up why I simply adore this recipe.
The image below paints a picture of the vibrant, sun-splashed colors and diverse textures that await when you dive into this culinary adventure.
Flavors That Transport You
Each bite of Mediterranean Orata is a journey further into the heart of Italy. The succulent taste of the Orata, or sea bream, marries harmoniously with the bright, tangy undertones delivered by the fresh lemons. I like to think of it as a nod to the zesty notes commonly found in Tex-Mex dishes.
The addition of the cherry tomatoes, further complements the recipe, invoking a sense of the fresh produce markets of Rome and beyond. A subtle hint of flavor and aroma comes from minced garlic, while a hint of rosemary brings in the classic Mediterranean touch. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (I invariably use Colavita) completes the ensemble, delivering a satisfying layer of richness to the palate.
Perfect Pairings and Inspirations
Mediterranean Orata is an incredibly versatile dish when it comes to pairings. Personally, I find it aligns beautifully with a crisp, dry white wine – try a bottle of Vermentino. It also holds its own alongside hearty side dishes like risotto or garlic-mashed potatoes garnished with parsley.
As for my source of inspiration, I cannot help but think of Lidia Bastianich, the renowned Italian-American chef. Her love for Italian cuisine and her ability to bring it to the American households is genuinely inspiring.
While Mediterranean Orata might appear to be a departure from my fondness for Southern flavors, it serves as a fitting example of how global cuisines can intermingle beautifully on the same plate. Each ingredient shines through, much like the importance of every individual student in my classroom. In essence, it’s little wonder why this recipe has carved a special place in my heart.
What You’ll Need
- 6 whole Orata (or sea bream), cleaned and scaled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 2 lemons, cut into wedges
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups dry white wine
- 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- Sliced almonds, toasted, for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). While preheating, prepare a large baking tray by covering it with a bit of olive oil. This will ensure the Orata do not stick while cooking.
Step Two
Rinse the cleaned Orata under cold water and pat them dry using paper towels. Once dried, season the insides of each fish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Insert a few pieces of minced garlic and a sprig of fresh rosemary into the cavity of each fish.
Step Three
Place the prepared Orata on the baking tray, arranging them evenly. Drizzle the fish with about 4 tablespoons of the extra virgin olive oil, making sure they are covered well. Then, sprinkle the fresh flat-leaf parsley over the fish.
Step Four
Arrange the cherry tomato halves and lemon wedges around the Orata on the baking tray. Add salt and pepper to the tomatoes and lemon wedges to enhance their flavors.
Step Five
Pour the dry white wine over the fish and the tomatoes. This will help to keep the fish moist while baking and also provide additional flavor.
Step Six
Put the baking tray into your preheated oven. Bake the Orata for about 20-25 minutes, or until the fish are golden brown and flaky when tested with a fork.
Step Seven
After removing the tray from the oven, let the Orata rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend together further. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the fish. If you like, sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds over the top for a little extra crunch and flavor.
Step Eight
Serve the Mediterranean Orata while it’s hot, ideally with a side dish of your choice. The flavorful fish combined with the lemon, tomato, and wine mixture will be sure to delight your palate!
