Mediterranean plaice rolls are a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender plaice fillets with a savory stuffing. The plaice fillets are filled with a mixture of softened onions, celery, breadcrumbs, parsley, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, and anchovies, creating a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. These rolls are then baked to perfection in the oven, resulting in moist and flaky fish with a delicious stuffing. Served with a drizzle of the cooking juices, these Mediterranean plaice rolls are a delightful addition to any seafood lover’s menu.
INGREDIENTS:
- 75g/3oz butter, plus extra for greasing
- 4 plaice fillets, about 225g/8oz each, skinned
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 celery stick, finely chopped
- 100g/4oz fresh white breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
- 4 pieces sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 50g/2oz canned anchovy fillets, drained and chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4. Grease an ovenproof dish with a little butter.
- Cut the plaice fillets in half lengthways to make 8 smaller fillets.
- Melt the butter in a pan and add the chopped onion and finely chopped celery. Cover and sweat for 15 minutes until soft. Ensure that they do not brown.
- In a bowl, combine the fresh white breadcrumbs, chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, toasted pine nuts, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped anchovy fillets. Stir in the softened vegetables with the buttery juices. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
- Divide the stuffing mixture into eight portions. Take one portion at a time and form it into a ball. Roll up each ball inside a plaice fillet, securing each roll with a cocktail stick.
- Place the rolled-up plaice fillets in the greased ovenproof dish. Bake for about 20 minutes until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Remove the cocktail sticks from the cooked plaice rolls and serve them hot with a drizzle of the cooking juices.
YIELD:
- Serves 4
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Ensure that the onions and celery are softened but not browned during the sweating process.
- Use skinned plaice fillets for easier rolling and cooking.
- Remove the cocktail sticks before serving to avoid any mishaps while enjoying the dish.
TIPS:
- Serve the Mediterranean plaice rolls with a side of lemon wedges for a refreshing citrus touch.
- Garnish the dish with additional chopped fresh parsley for added freshness and visual appeal.
- Accompany the plaice rolls with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Adjust the seasoning and ingredients of the stuffing according to your taste preferences. Add herbs or spices for additional flavor variations.
In conclusion, Mediterranean plaice rolls are a delightful dish that combines tender plaice fillets with a savory stuffing made from softened onions, celery, breadcrumbs, parsley, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, and anchovies. These rolls are baked to perfection, resulting in moist and flaky fish with a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Served with a drizzle of the cooking juices, these plaice rolls are a delicious and satisfying addition to any seafood lover’s menu.
