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.