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Gilthead Bream in Parchment Paper

17/11/2023

Gilthead bream in parchment paper is a classic, aromatic, and healthy dish, perfect for savoring the flavor of the sea. Here is a version inspired by Italian flavors.

Ingredients

  • 1 gilthead bream of about 300-400 grams (per person), cleaned and descaled
  • 1 lemon
  • Aromatic herbs to taste (for example rosemary, thyme, and parsley)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Black olives (optional)
  • Capers (optional)
  • 1 sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil, large enough to wrap the fish

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180-200 °C.
  2. Wash the gilthead bream well and pat it dry with paper towels.
  3. In a bowl, mix the chopped aromatic herbs with salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
  4. Slice the lemon into thin slices.
  5. Line the parchment paper with a drizzle of oil and place the fish in the center. Stuff the inside of the bream with some slices of lemon and some of the aromatic herbs.
  6. Add the remaining herbs and a few slices of lemon on top of the bream.
  7. Spread the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped garlic, olives, and capers around the fish if desired.
  8. Drizzle everything with another thread of oil and close the parchment paper well so that during cooking the flavors remain inside and create a moist environment that will cook the fish perfectly.
  9. Place the parchment paper on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-30 minutes (time may vary depending on the size of the bream).
  10. Once cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before opening the parchment paper.

Curiosity

Gilthead bream, also known as dorada in Spanish regions, is a fish highly appreciated for its delicate flavor and firm flesh. The cooking method in parchment paper allows to keep the flavors intact and offers the advantage of healthy cooking, since it does not require the use of added fats other than a moderate amount of extra virgin olive oil. This dish pairs very well with a glass of fresh and aromatic white wine, such as Vermentino or Greco di Tufo.

Gilthead Bream in Parchment Paper