This oven-baked carp with spinach is a light yet flavorful dish, blending the rich taste of carp with the vibrant freshness of spinach, making it perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 whole carp (about 1.5-2 kg), cleaned and gutted
- 300 grams of fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed, and drained)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8-12 large olives or olive paste
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 100 ml dry white wine (optional)
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly oil a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Season the Carp
Season the cleaned and gutted carp with salt, black pepper, and paprika inside and out. Place a few slices of lemon and some fresh parsley inside the cavity for added flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Spread the sautéed spinach evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the seasoned carp on top of the spinach. Drizzle the fish with olive oil and arrange lemon slices over the top. If using white wine, pour it around the base of the fish in the dish.
Step 5: Bake the Carp
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the carp is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Baste the fish occasionally with the pan juices to keep it moist. Add the olives a few minutes before finishing baking.
Step 6: Serve the Dish
Once cooked, carefully transfer the carp to a serving platter. Serve the spinach as a flavorful side, garnishing with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges if desired.
Tips and Tricks
- Choosing Fresh Carp: Ensure the carp is fresh and properly cleaned. Fresh carp should have clear eyes and a mild, not overly fishy, smell. Check out our general principles on choosing fish on the market.
- Spinach Variations: Adding other vegetables like mushrooms or tomatoes to the spinach mixture adds flavor and texture.
- Extra Flavor: If you enjoy bold flavors, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven-baked carp with spinach, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad. A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon will enhance the fresh, vibrant flavors of the dish.
Wine Matching
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Bulgarian Misket. The wine’s crisp acidity balances the fish’s richness and complements the earthy spinach.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to retain the texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked carp, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, ensure the carp is well-wrapped, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe is also dairy-free, making it ideal for lactose-intolerant people.
About Oven-Baked Carp with Spinach
This dish offers a healthy and delicious way to enjoy carp, a popular fish in many European countries, especially during festive occasions. The earthy spinach enhances the carp fish is delicate flavor, creating a balanced and nutritious meal. Adding lemon and garlic makes this dish bright and flavorful, perfect for casual dinners and special events.
Cultural Context
Carp is a traditional dish in Eastern European cuisine, often enjoyed during festive times such as Christmas or religious holidays like Nikulden in Bulgaria. Carp is considered a symbol of good luck, and dishes featuring carp are often seen as celebratory meals. In Bulgaria, carp fish is typically baked or fried and served with seasonal vegetables, and this version with spinach adds a healthy, modern twist.
