Imagine a dish that combines the delicate elegance of white fish, the luxurious warmth of saffron, and the rustic charm of Mediterranean cooking - all baked into one irresistible casserole. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors that will make your dinner guests wonder if you've secretly trained in a coastal Mediterranean kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 white fish fillets (e.g., cod, haddock)
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Steep the saffron threads in 1/4 cup of warm vegetable broth for 10 minutes to release their rich golden color and delicate flavor.
- In the prepared casserole dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom, creating a base layer for the fish.
- Pour the remaining vegetable broth and saffron-infused liquid over the rice, ensuring the rice is fully covered.
- Season the white fish fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Gently place the seasoned fillets on top of the rice.
- Scatter diced tomatoes and sliced olives around and between the fish fillets to add moisture and flavor.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that will help steam the fish and cook the rice.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the rice is tender.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to absorb remaining liquid.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, adding a bright, fresh element to the dish.
Tips
- Saffron Selection: Use high-quality saffron threads for the most vibrant color and intense flavor. A little goes a long way!
- Fish Freshness Matters: Choose the freshest white fish fillets possible. Look for firm, translucent flesh with a mild ocean scent.
- Rice Preparation: Rinse the rice before using to remove excess starch, ensuring a perfectly fluffy texture in your casserole.
- Liquid Ratio: Ensure the rice is completely covered by broth to guarantee even cooking and prevent dryness.
- Foil Technique: When covering with aluminum foil, create a slight tent to allow steam circulation without touching the fish.
- Doneness Check: The fish is perfectly cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.
- Resting Period: Always let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and liquids to be absorbed.
- Garnish Fresh: Add chopped parsley just before serving to maintain its bright color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
