Delicious Lavraki Baked with Lemon and Herbs

This exquisite Lavraki dish, featuring the fresh essence of lemon and the aromatic hints of dill and cumin, is a delightful Mediterranean recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Lavraki, a type of sea bass, is known for its tender, flavorful meat, which becomes even more succulent when seasoned with salt, pepper, and a blend of spices. The fish is carefully wrapped in foil and baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Ideal for a midweek dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this dish combines simplicity and elegance. Complemented by the zesty lemon slices and aromatic dill, each bite delivers a harmonious burst of flavor. With a short preparation time and reliance on fresh, easily accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect even for novice cooks. Enjoy the delightful contrast of the flaky fish with the tangy lemon and aromatic herbs. Serve it alongside your favorite side dishes for a memorable dining experience that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 whole Lavraki (sea bass)
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 2 onions, sliced
• Fresh dill, a handful

Spices and Seasonings:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Cumin, a pinch

Preparation Time

Total Time: 35 minutes
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by slicing the onions and lemons. You will layer these on the foil according to the size of your fish.
2. Clean the Fish: Rinse the Lavraki under cold water and pat dry. Carefully clean the cavity of the fish, removing any innards if necessary.
3. Season the Fish: Generously salt and pepper the inside and outside of the fish, ensuring an even distribution of spices.
4. Stuff the Cavity: Place a few slices of lemon and a handful of fresh dill into the cavity of the fish. This infuses the fish with a zesty and herby aroma.
5. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lay out a large piece of foil sufficient to wrap the entire fish.
6. Layer the Vegetables: Spread half of the sliced onions on the foil, followed by a layer of lemon slices.
7. Add Cumin: Sprinkle a pinch of cumin over the onion and lemon layers, adding a subtle spicy note.
8. Place the Fish: Situate the seasoned fish on top of the layered onion and lemon slices.
9. Cover the Fish: Top the fish with additional lemon slices and sprinkle with more cumin for extra flavor.
10. Wrap in Foil: Securely wrap the fish in the foil, ensuring no juices can escape.
11. Bake in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) and place the foil-wrapped fish on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flaky.
12. Optional Addition: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a seasoning mix specific for fish, such as Santa Maria's fish seasoning.
13. Check for Doneness: Carefully unwrap the foil and check if the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
14. Adjust Seasoning if Needed: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
15. Serve Warm: Serve the Lavraki hot, directly from the foil or transferred to a serving platter.
16. Garnish: Garnish with fresh dill or additional lemon slices for presentation.
17. Pair with Sides: For a complete meal, serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
18. Leftover Idea: If you have leftovers, this fish can be flaked into a salad or added to a pasta dish.
19. Enjoy with Bread: Crusty bread works well to mop up any flavorful juices from the foil.
20. Final Touch: A drizzle of olive oil just before serving can complement the dish beautifully.

Tips

• Freshness is Key: Ensure the fish is fresh for the best flavor.
• Foil Wrapping: Wrap tightly to retain moisture and flavors.
• Seasonings: Adjust salt and spices according to your taste preference.

Variations

• Herb Alternatives: Substitute dill with parsley or thyme for different flavors.
• Citrus Twist: Try using lime in place of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
• Spice Mixes: Experiment with different spice blends to create diverse taste profiles.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve with a light cucumber salad or roasted potatoes.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine or light rosé complements this dish well.
• Garnish: Fresh dill or sliced lemons for an appealing presentation.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fats: 10g
• Carbs: 8g

Best Places

• Jack's Grillhouse - Known for its exquisite seafood dishes. Location: 12 Marina Rd, Sydney, Australia.
• Mediterranean Flavors - Offers a broad selection of Mediterranean cuisines. Location: 15 Seaside Ave, Barcelona, Spain.
• The Fisherman's Wharf - A seafood lover's paradise. Location: 22 Bay Street, San Francisco, USA.
• Ocean's Bounty - Famous for its fresh and flavorful seafood. Location: 10 Harbor Dr, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Sea and Spice - Combines sea dishes with Mediterranean spices. Location: 3 Star Road, Dubai, UAE.
• Culinary Waves - Offers traditional and modern seafood dishes. Location: 5 Shore Lane, Auckland, New Zealand.
• Nautical Eats - Known for their expertly prepared fish dishes. Location: 44 Harbor Plaza, Lisbon, Portugal.
• Neptune's Table - Offers a delightful underwater atmosphere. Location: 9 Ocean Blvd, Miami, USA.
• Pearl of the Sea - Renowned for its exquisite Lavraki dish. Location: 7 Coastal Rd, Athens, Greece.
• The Blue Ocean - Combines local and international flavors. Location: 20 Shoreline Dr, Perth, Australia.