Pece al Forno Simplice

Pece al Forno Simplice Recipe - A Delicious Italian Sole Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pece al Forno Simplice is a simple and delicious baked fish dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. This recipe features sole fillets seasoned with salt, pepper, parsley, scallions, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, and olive oil. The fish is baked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe for Pece al Forno Simplice has its origins in Italian cuisine, where seafood is a popular and beloved ingredient. Baking fish is a common cooking method in Italy, as it allows the natural flavors of the fish to shine through while keeping it moist and tender. This simple yet delicious recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to it.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) sole, washed and dried
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
0.5 cup minced parsley
1 minced scallion (green and white part)
juice of 0.5 medium lemon
0.25 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
0.5 cup olive oil

How to prepare

Lightly grease a large shallow baking dish.
Place the fillets in a single layer in the dish and season them with salt and pepper.
Evenly spread parsley and scallions over the fillets.
Drizzle lemon juice over the fish.
Next, cover the fish with a thin layer of breadcrumbs. You may not need to use the entire 0.25 cup of crumbs.
Slowly pour olive oil over the fish, ensuring that it is well covered, drop by drop.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 minutes.
To check if the fish is done, gently flake it with a fork. Avoid overcooking and test a little sooner than you think it is done.

Variations

You can use other types of white fish such as cod or halibut in place of sole for this recipe. You can also add additional herbs and spices such as garlic, thyme, or paprika for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash and dry the sole fillets thoroughly before seasoning them. This will help the seasonings adhere to the fish better.

- Drizzle the olive oil over the fish slowly and evenly to ensure that it is well covered. This will help the fish cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.

- Be careful not to overcook the fish. Check for doneness by gently flaking it with a fork. The fish should be opaque and flake easily when done.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Pece al Forno Simplice with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the preferred cooking technique for this recipe, as it allows the fish to cook gently and evenly without drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sole fillets, you can use any other white fish fillets such as cod, halibut, or flounder. You can also use seasoned breadcrumbs instead of unseasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fish up to the point of baking ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Pece al Forno Simplice with fresh parsley or lemon slices for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or pasta.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fish in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and gluten from breadcrumbs.

Summary

This dish is a healthy and nutritious option for a light and flavorful meal. It is low in carbohydrates and calories, while being high in protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Pece al Forno Simplice. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a stroll through the bustling streets of Italy. As I wandered through the charming cobblestone streets, the aroma of freshly baked bread and savory spices filled the air. It was then that I came across a quaint little bakery tucked away in a corner.

The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by the warm smiles of the bakers and the tantalizing scent of freshly baked bread. I couldn't resist the urge to explore further, and as I roamed around the bakery, my eyes fell upon a handwritten recipe for Pece al Forno Simplice hanging on the wall.

Intrigued by the simplicity of the recipe, I decided to ask one of the bakers about it. To my delight, he was more than happy to share the story behind the dish. He explained that Pece al Forno Simplice was a traditional Italian dish that had been passed down through generations in his family. It was a dish that celebrated the simplicity and beauty of Italian cuisine, using only the freshest ingredients to create a flavorful and comforting meal.

With newfound excitement, I asked the baker if he would be willing to teach me how to make Pece al Forno Simplice. To my surprise, he eagerly agreed, and we spent the rest of the day in the bakery's cozy kitchen, cooking and chatting like old friends.

As we worked together to prepare the dish, the baker shared stories of his grandmother and the special memories they had created in the kitchen. He explained that his grandmother had taught him the recipe for Pece al Forno Simplice when he was just a boy, and it had become a cherished family tradition ever since.

I listened intently as he showed me how to season the fish with fresh herbs and spices, and how to bake it to perfection in the oven. The aromas that filled the kitchen were intoxicating, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a favorite in my own family.

After hours of cooking and laughter, we finally sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The Pece al Forno Simplice was a revelation - tender, flaky fish infused with the flavors of garlic, lemon, and olive oil. It was a dish that spoke of tradition, love, and the simple joys of life.

As I bid farewell to the baker and the cozy little bakery, I knew that I had found a recipe that would hold a special place in my heart. The memories of that day would forever be etched in my mind, and I would always be grateful for the chance encounter that had led me to discover the beauty of Pece al Forno Simplice.

And so, whenever I prepare this dish for my family and friends, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Italy and the kindness of the baker who had shared his family's recipe with me. Pece al Forno Simplice has become a symbol of tradition, love, and the joy of cooking, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pass it on to future generations.