Delicious Baked Carp with Creamy Vegetable Sauce

This delightful recipe offers a unique way to enjoy carp, a commonly overlooked fish in many kitchens. The combination of fish with a rich and creamy vegetable sauce creates a flavor profile that's both comforting and elegant. The carp is seasoned with salt and freshly ground pepper, then baked to perfection, making it tender and flavorful. A medley of leeks, celery, and carrots are sautéed in butter, enriching the sauce with aromatic depths. The addition of white wine and cream adds a luxurious touch, while spices like allspice and gingerbread spices infuse warmth and complexity. This dish is a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that's bound to impress. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering, offering an experience that’s both rustic and refined. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is accessible to both novice and experienced cooks alike.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 kg carp
• 4 celery stalks
• 2 carrots
• 1 leek (white part only)
• 200 g dry white wine
• 100 ml sweet cream

Spices and Sauces

• 3 tbsp vinegar
• 8 allspice berries
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp raisins
• 1 tsp gingerbread spice
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

• Total: 75 minutes
• Includes prep and cooking

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by cleaning the carp; scale, gut, and rinse it thoroughly.
2. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper over the fish, making sure to coat both the inside and outside.
3. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
4. Place the seasoned carp on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake the carp for about 50 minutes until the skin is golden and the fish is cooked through.
6. While the fish is baking, finely chop the leek, celery stalks, and carrots.
7. In a large pan, melt a generous amount of butter over medium heat.
8. Add the chopped vegetables to the pan and sauté until they’re softened and translucent.
9. Pour in the vinegar and white wine, stirring to combine.
10. Add the allspice berries, bay leaves, gingerbread spice, raisins, salt, and pepper to the vegetables.
11. Continue to cook the mixture on medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12. Lower the heat and pour in the sweet cream.
13. Allow the sauce to heat through, stirring gently until well combined.
14. Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the oven and place it on a serving platter.
15. Ladle the creamy vegetable sauce over the carp, ensuring an even coverage.
16. Garnish with additional fresh herbs like parsley for extra aroma and color.
17. Serve warm with boiled potatoes for a complete meal.
18. Pair with a crisp white wine to enhance the citrus and herbal notes.
19. Enjoy your homemade baked carp with creamy vegetable sauce as a culinary treat!
20. Tip: Don't overcook the fish, as it can become dry. Use a fork to check if it flakes easily for doneness.

Tips

• Substitute gingerbread spice with a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg if unavailable.
• For a richer sauce, use double cream instead of sweet cream.
• Enhance the presentation by adding a sprinkle of fresh, chopped dill.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 38g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbs: 12g

Variations

• For a lighter version, replace the cream with a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk.
• To add a spicy kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the vegetable sauté.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with freshly boiled potatoes or rice.
• As a garnish, consider adding lemon wedges or fresh dill.

Best Places to Enjoy Similar Dishes

• The Fish House - A seaside restaurant offering a wide range of fish dishes. Location: 123 Ocean Drive, Oslo, Norway.
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• Fish & Fins - Known for creative seafood dishes. Location: 28 Bay Rd, Sydney, Australia.
• Catch of the Day - Offers fresh and flavorful fish. Location: 32 Atlantic Ave, Cape Town, South Africa.
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• Aqua’s Plate - Known for exquisite fish recipes. Location: 22 Lagoon St, Lisbon, Portugal.
• Marina Feast - Offers a wide selection of fresh seafood. Location: 48 Pier Blvd, Miami, USA.
• Poseidon's Table - A fine dining seafood restaurant with an impressive menu. Location: 9 Oceanic Blvd, Auckland, New Zealand.