Ryba w sosie pesto, or fish with pesto sauce, is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of basil pesto with the delicate flavor of fish. Here’s a simple yet elegant recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
- Fish: 4 fillets of your choice (e.g., cod, halibut, or salmon)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, for added brightness)
For the Pesto Sauce:
- Basil Leaves: 2 cups, packed
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Pine Nuts: 1/4 cup (or walnuts as a substitute)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
- Olive Oil: 1/2 cup
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pesto Sauce:
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add Olive Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and well combined.
- Season: Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed. Set the pesto aside.
2. Cook the Fish:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you prefer stovetop cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a little lemon juice if using.
- Sear (Optional): For a crispier exterior, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the fish fillets for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish if using the oven. If cooking entirely on the stovetop, just move to the next step.
- Bake: Place the fish fillets in a baking dish, and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Alternatively: If using a skillet for the entire process, reduce heat to medium after searing, cover, and cook until the fish is cooked through.
3. Serve:
- Top with Pesto: Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the oven or skillet. Spoon a generous amount of pesto over each fillet.
- Garnish: Garnish with additional basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Accompaniments: Serve with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Pesto Variations: You can experiment with different nuts or herbs in the pesto, such as cilantro or parsley.
- Fish Options: While white fish is a popular choice, salmon works well with pesto due to its richer flavor.
Enjoy your fish with pesto sauce! It’s a flavorful and elegant dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a special dinner or a simple weeknight meal.