Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with every bite. Our "Roasted Branzino with Brothy Beans" is not just a meal; it's a culinary escape that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests. With just 35 minutes of your time, you can create a stunning, restaurant-quality dish featuring tender branzino infused with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, served atop a bed of creamy cannellini beans. Ready to elevate your cooking game and discover the secrets behind this exquisite recipe? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 whole branzino, cleaned
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Pat the branzino fish dry using paper towels, inside and outside. This helps achieve crispy skin during roasting.
- Season the interior and exterior of each branzino generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Stuff the cavity of each fish with fresh thyme sprigs and 2-3 lemon slices, distributing evenly.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, spread the drained cannellini beans in an even layer.
- Sprinkle minced garlic over the beans and drizzle half of the olive oil, tossing gently to coat.
- Place the prepared branzino on top of the beans, then drizzle the remaining olive oil over the fish.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and fish to finish cooking.
- Serve the branzino directly over the brothy beans, garnishing with additional fresh thyme and lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Branzino: For the best flavor and texture, select the freshest branzino you can find. Look for clear, bright eyes and shiny skin.
- Dry the Fish Thoroughly: Patting the branzino dry is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy skin. Don’t skip this step!
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Proper seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the fish.
- Experiment with Herbs: While thyme is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the fish as it roasts. It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, indicating it's perfectly cooked.
- Let it Rest: Allow the fish to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute and enhances the overall flavor.
- Serve with Extra Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the dish and elevate the flavors even more.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
