I’m excited to share this traditional Odessa recipe that transforms humble saury into an incredibly flavorful family meal. This method of preparation, passed down through generations, showcases how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dish when prepared with care and attention to detail.
The Story Behind the Dish
This recipe originates from Odessa, a historic port city renowned for its seafood cuisine. The technique of baking fish over a bed of onions is a classic Black Sea cooking method that ensures moisture while developing rich flavors.
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 700g (1.5 lbs) whole saury fish
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic
- ½ teaspoon Provençal herbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced (for the base)
For the Potatoes:
- 7 medium potatoes, halved
- ½ tablespoon salt (for boiling)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 20g (1½ tablespoons) butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Provençal herbs
- 100g (3.5 oz) rocket salad (arugula)
Detailed Instructions
Fish Preparation
- Clean the fish:
- Rinse thoroughly under cold water
- Remove all entrails
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Create the marinade:
- Combine salt, black pepper, dried garlic
- Add Provençal herbs and paprika
- Mix with oil to form a paste
- Marinate the fish:
- Coat fish thoroughly with the spice mixture
- Cover with plastic wrap
- Let rest for 20 minutes at room temperature
Potato Preparation
- Initial cooking:
- Place halved potatoes in cold water
- Add ½ tablespoon salt
- Boil for 20-25 minutes until tender but firm
- Drain well
- Create the potato seasoning:
- Heat oil and butter in a large pan
- Sauté chopped onion until translucent
- Add crushed garlic, cook for 30-40 seconds
- Add red pepper and seasonings
- Cook for 2 minutes to blend flavors
- Finish the potatoes:
- Add boiled potatoes to the seasoned mixture
- Mix gently to coat
- Add rocket salad
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes
Assembly and Baking
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Prepare the baking dish:
- Line with parchment paper
- Spread sliced onions as a base
- Arrange marinated fish on top
- Cover tightly with foil
- Baking process:
- Bake covered for 30 minutes
- Remove foil
- Bake additional 10 minutes until golden
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose fresh saury with bright eyes and metallic skin
- Don’t skip the marinating step – it’s crucial for flavor
- Ensure potatoes are evenly sized for consistent cooking
- The onion bed prevents the fish from sticking and adds flavor
Nutritional Information
Per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
This Odessa-style baked saury recipe proves that simple, economical ingredients can create a memorable family meal. The combination of tender fish and perfectly seasoned potatoes makes this dish not just a meal, but a celebration of traditional Black Sea cooking methods that have stood the test of time.
