Makaron z okoniem morskim, or pasta with sea bass, is a delightful dish that pairs the delicate flavor of sea bass with the richness of a creamy or tomato-based pasta sauce. Here's a recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
- Pasta: 250g (e.g., fettuccine, tagliatelle, or spaghetti)
- Sea Bass: 2 fillets, skinless and boneless (about 300-400g total)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Shallots: 1, finely chopped
- White Wine: 1/4 cup (optional)
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (optional, for a creamy sauce)
- Lemon Juice: Juice of 1 lemon
- Capers: 1 tablespoon (optional)
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: A handful, chopped
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Grated Parmesan: For serving (optional)
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta cooking water.
-
Prepare the Sea Bass:
- Season the sea bass fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sea bass fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Flake the fish into large pieces.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté the shallots and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cherry tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) and cook until they start to break down, about 5-7 minutes.
- If using, pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream if you’re making a creamy sauce, and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the capers if using, and season with salt and pepper.
-
Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it.
- Gently fold in the flaked sea bass and lemon juice. Heat through for a couple of minutes.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Fish Variations: If you can’t find sea bass, you can substitute with other firm white fish like cod or snapper.
- Vegetable Addition: Feel free to add some sautéed spinach or arugula for extra greens.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can add a splash of fish stock or a bit of lemon juice for acidity.
Enjoy your pasta with sea bass!