Delicious Zagreb-Style Hake and Potatoes Delight

Zagreb-Style Hake and Potatoes, a traditional Croatian dish, is celebrated for its subtle yet delightful flavors. The combination of fresh hake fillets and tender potatoes creates a harmony of textures and tastes that is both comforting and delicious. This dish brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table, enhanced by aromatic herbs and a touch of lemon zest. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this meal is both satisfying and pleasing to the palate.

Ingredients:
– 4 hake fillets (about 150g each)
– 800g potatoes
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 lemon (zest and juice)
– 100ml dry white wine
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
– Peel and cut the potatoes into thin slices.
– In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and parboil the potato slices for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften. Drain and set aside.

2. Preheat the Oven:
– Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
– In a large baking dish, drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil.
– Arrange the parboiled potato slices evenly on the bottom of the dish.

4. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
– In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.

5. Add Wine and Lemon:
– Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
– Add the lemon zest and juice, and stir everything together.

6. Layer the Fillets:
– Place the hake fillets on top of the potato layer in the baking dish.
– Pour the onion-garlic-wine mixture over the hake and potatoes, ensuring everything is evenly covered.

7. Bake:
– Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
– Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.

8. Finishing Touches:
– Remove the foil and let the dish bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the top to slightly golden.
– Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika over the dish before the final 5 minutes for an extra layer of flavor.

9. Garnish and Serve:
– Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
– Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy this delightful Zagreb-Style Hake and Potatoes with a glass of your favorite white wine and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.