Recipes

Whole snapper roasted with herbs and potato

Ingredients

2 whole snapper (500-600g each)

400g chat potatoes, halved

salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 medium tomatoes, cored and sliced into rounds

2 medium lemons, sliced into rounds

2 cloves garlic, sliced

1/2 bunch rosemary sprigs

1/2 bunch thyme sprigs

1/2 bunch sage leaves

4 or 5 bay leaves

extra virgin olive oil

 

Method

PREHEAT OVEN to 220c

LIGHTLY SCORE  the skin of the fish; don’t cut too deep into the flesh.

ARRANGE FISH  and potatoes over two large baking trays. Season fish cavities with salt and pepper to taste, then fill with the tomatoes, half the lemon slices, and a little each of the garlic, rosemary, thyme and sage leaves. Scatter bay leaves and the remaining lemon slices, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and sage over the fish and potatoes. Drizzle with oil and season to taste with salt and pepper.

ROAST FISH  until the skin is crisp and the flesh is just cooked through, about 20 minutes. The potatoes should be crispy-brown and cooked through. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

TIP:  To see if a whole fish is “done”, check the neck: the flesh should come away easily from the bones. Be careful not to overcook it.