Perch with Rice in Dough

Perch with Rice in Dough Recipe from Romania

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Perch with Rice in Dough is a delicious and unique dish that combines tender perch fillets, creamy rice, and a flaky dough crust. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its beautiful presentation and amazing flavors.

History

This recipe has its origins in Eastern European cuisine, where fish and dough are commonly used in traditional dishes. Perch with Rice in Dough has been passed down through generations and is a favorite comfort food for many families.

Ingredients

Dough

2 oz / 50 g yeast
1 egg
1 cup milk
0.5 tbsp sugar
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 cup melted butter (or lard or oil)
flour as needed

Filling

1 cup rice
2 cups milk
1 cup water
3 tbsp butter
3 hard-boiled eggs
1 lb / 500 g perch
0.25 tsp pepper
salt

How to prepare

Prepare the starter by combining yeast, 2 – 3 tbsp of tepid milk, and a small amount of flour.
Once the starter has risen, add the egg, sugar, salt, and shortening, and mix until a medium soft dough forms.
While the dough rests, simmer the rice with the remaining milk, water, and salt over low heat.
When the liquid has almost completely reduced, stir in pepper and butter, and allow the rice to cool.
Thoroughly remove the bones from the perch, cut it into strips, season with salt, and let it sit until the dough has risen and the rice has cooled.
Divide the dough into two equal parts.
Roll out each part into a sheet about the thickness of a finger.
Place one sheet to cover the bottom and sides of a buttered dish.
Next, evenly spread a layer of rice over the dough.
Arrange rounds of hard-boiled eggs on top of the rice, followed by the perch strips.
Finally, cover with the second sheet of dough, and drape a cloth over it to let it rise for a short while.
Brush the surface with beaten egg for a glaze.
Bake in the oven.
Serve warm, and cut into squares.

Variations

You can add diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the rice filling for added flavor and nutrition.
Substitute the perch fillets with another type of white fish, such as cod or haddock, for a different taste and texture.
Experiment with different herbs and spices in the dough or rice filling to customize the flavors to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove all the bones from the perch fillets before cooking to avoid any unpleasant surprises while eating.

- Be patient when simmering the rice, as you want it to absorb all the liquid and become creamy.

- Brushing the dough with beaten egg before baking will give it a beautiful golden color and a shiny finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Perch with Rice in Dough with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon would be a refreshing accompaniment.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough into thin sheets ensures a flaky and tender crust that complements the creamy rice and tender perch fillets.

- Simmering the rice slowly and stirring it occasionally helps it absorb the liquid and become creamy without burning or sticking to the pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have perch fillets, you can use another type of white fish like tilapia or sole.

- Instead of hard-boiled eggs, you can use sliced boiled potatoes or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this dish.

- Use vegetable oil or margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and rice filling ahead of time and assemble the dish just before baking. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before assembling and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the baked Perch with Rice in Dough into squares or rectangles for a neat and elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of pickles for a balanced and satisfying meal. A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon would be a refreshing accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Perch with Rice in Dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Perch with Rice in Dough contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used. This dish is a satisfying and filling meal that provides a good balance of macronutrients.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates in this dish mainly come from the rice and the dough. The rice provides a good source of complex carbohydrates, while the dough adds a bit of simple carbohydrates from the flour and sugar.

Fats

Fats in this recipe come from the butter used in cooking the rice and the melted oil in the dough. Perch fillets also contain healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Proteins

Proteins in this dish come from the perch fillets, eggs, and milk. Perch is a lean source of protein, while eggs provide a complete source of essential amino acids.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D from the perch fillets, calcium from the milk, and iron from the eggs. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, butter, and eggs) and gluten (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies or sensitivities before preparing this dish.

Summary

Perch with Rice in Dough is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a wholesome dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Perch with Rice in Dough is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender fish, creamy rice, and flaky dough in a unique and delicious way. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, and it's sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village by the sea. My grandmother, who was a renowned cook in our community, had passed down her love for cooking to me at a young age. She taught me the importance of using fresh, local ingredients and the art of creating dishes that were not only delicious but also filled with love and care.

One day, while rummaging through my grandmother's old recipe book, I stumbled upon a worn-out page that caught my eye. It was a recipe for Perch with Rice in Dough, a dish that I had never heard of before. Intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures, I decided to give it a try.

I soon found out that the recipe had been passed down to my grandmother by a dear friend who had learned it from her own grandmother. It was a traditional dish that had been enjoyed by generations of families in our village. The recipe called for fresh perch caught from the sea, fragrant rice, and a simple dough made from flour, water, and a pinch of salt.

Excited to try something new, I set out to gather the ingredients needed for the dish. I woke up early the next morning and headed to the local market, where I picked out the freshest perch I could find. I then made my way to the rice vendor, who sold me a bag of fragrant jasmine rice that would be perfect for the dish. Finally, I stopped by the bakery to pick up a bag of flour to make the dough.

Back at home, I set to work preparing the dish. I started by cleaning and gutting the perch, removing the scales and bones to reveal the tender flesh underneath. I then seasoned the fish with a blend of herbs and spices, including garlic, ginger, and a touch of lemon juice. While the fish marinated, I cooked the rice until it was fluffy and fragrant, ready to be stuffed inside the fish.

Next, I rolled out the dough and carefully wrapped each perch, enclosing it in a cocoon of soft, pillowy dough. I then placed the fish in a hot oven, where it would bake until the dough was golden brown and crispy, and the fish inside was tender and flaky.

As the dish cooked, the aroma filled the kitchen, a tantalizing mix of fresh fish, fragrant rice, and warm dough. I could hardly wait to taste the finished product, eager to see if my efforts had paid off.

Finally, the timer dinged, signaling that the dish was ready. I carefully removed the fish from the oven, the dough golden and crispy, the fish inside steaming and fragrant. I plated the dish, the rice spilling out from the dough, a delicious and inviting sight.

I took a bite, the flavors exploding in my mouth – the delicate sweetness of the perch, the fragrant rice, and the warm, crispy dough. It was a dish unlike any I had ever tasted before, a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds.

I knew then that this recipe would become a favorite in my own repertoire, a dish that I would pass down to future generations of my family. And so, with each bite, I savored not only the delicious flavors of the Perch with Rice in Dough but also the memories of how I had come to discover this treasured recipe.