French Style Roasted Perch With Fennel, Tomatoes and Wine

French Tart's Note:

A delectable roasted fish and vegetable dish that is very popular in the South of France, especially Provence. I have listed Perch as the fish to use in this recipe, but Bream, John Dory, Halibut or Tilapia would also work very well. An elegant dinner dish, which needs very little attention, making it the perfect recipe for when you have company! Serve alongside poached or steamed seasonal vegetables, with wild rice or a simple salad.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 6 perch fillets
• 3 fennel bulbs, cut into quarters, reserving the fennel fronds for a garnish
• 3 tomatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
• 3 shallots, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 red pepper, trimmed and cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons dill
• 1 teaspoon coriander seed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fennel seed
• 1 cup dry white wine, such as colombard
• 2 lemons, 1 sliced and 1 cut into wedges
• salt
• pepper

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 250C/495F/Gas 9.
2. Grease an attractive oven to table roasting dish or tray with a little of the olive oil. About 12" x 9" in size.
3. Wash and pat the fillets of perch dry - set to one side.
4. Place all the prepared vegetables, dill & coriander seeds into the tray/dish and pour on the remaining olive oil; mix well and season with salt & pepper.
5. Roast for 30 - 45 minutes on the top shelf, until the vegetables are charred and nearly soft.
6. Remove the vegetables carefully from the oven and turn the temperature down to 180C/375F/Gas 5.
7. Place the fillets of perch on top of the vegetables.
8. Pour the glass or cup of wine over the top of the fish & gently cover the fish fillets with some of the vegetables, so they do not dry out during cooking.
9. Sprinkle the fennel seeds over the top and place 6 slices of lemon on top - to be cooked with the fish and vegetables.
10. Return the fish and vegetable dish to the oven and cook for a further 15 - 20 minutes or until the fish is cooked and opaque white in colour.
11. Sprinkle some chopped fennel fronds on top and serve with a wedge of lemon, seasonal vegetables and wild rice.

Reviews

[Chef Regina V. Smith]

This is a 5 star keeper. I made this for a romantic dinner with my Valentine. I used cherry tomatoes as they are more flavourful in the middle of winter than larger ones. This recipe is easy, delicious and elegant. I would recommend this as a dinner party main. Thanks so much French Tart.

[CookieKris]

Delicious combination. Fresh and unique. I did not have white wine on hand so used a ginger infused green tea with some chicken stock concentrate added to it. Instead of fennel I used Lavender. It was wonderful! I had never used fennel and it was delicious, but a little hard. Maybe I had to cook it longer? The tomatoes were perfect and even a little overcooked. But we loved it and will make it again for friends!

[Chef #1302955]

French Tart - Unbelievably simple yet delicious recipe. I just made this for Father's Day supper. it is a winner. I cannot wait to try more of your recipes. Thanks ya'll! Judy, Plano, Texas USA