A Taste of Azerbaijan: Authentic Stuffed Fish Recipe

whole fish

🥗Healthier: filleted fish

💰Cheaper: canned fish

Canned fish is more affordable and convenient.

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: walnuts

Sunflower seeds are lower in cost and still provide crunch.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is often less expensive.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: dried apricots

Dried apricots can be more affordable and add sweetness.

Clean and gut the whole fish, removing scales and innards.

In a pot, cook 1 cup of rice in water until tender, about 15 minutes, then drain.

In a skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and sauté 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add 2 minced cloves of garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

In a bowl, mix the cooked rice with the sautéed vegetables, 1 bunch of chopped dill, 1 bunch of chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/4 cup of pine nuts, and 1/4 cup of raisins.

Stuff the fish with the rice mixture, securing the opening with toothpicks.

Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed fish and season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.

Slice 2 tomatoes and place them on top of the stuffed fish in a baking dish.

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the fish is golden brown.

Slice the lemon and garnish the fish with lemon slices and fresh herbs before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary