This recipe for Haddock (пикша, бяла риба in Bulgarian) is quick and packed with flavor. The haddock is pan-seared to perfection and served on a bed of golden grilled potatoes, garlic, and fresh thyme. The tender fish and crispy potatoes make it a wonderful meal for weeknights or casual dinners.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients (for four people)
- 4 haddock fillets (about 150g each, бяла риба in Bulgarian)
- 6 medium potatoes, sliced into rounds
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 1 tablespoon butter (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced for garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Grill the Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the potato slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the thyme. Spread them on a baking tray and grill for about 20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
Step 2: Pan-Sear the Haddock
While the potatoes are grilling, heat the remaining olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the haddock fillets with salt and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, place the fillets skin-side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Thyme
During the last minute of cooking, add the garlic slices and the remaining thyme to the pan. Sauté until the garlic is golden and aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Serve
Plate the grilled potatoes first, placing the haddock fillets on top. Drizzle with the garlic-thyme butter from the pan. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley.
Tips and Tricks
- Potato Crispiness: For extra crispy potatoes, ensure they are evenly sliced and avoid overcrowding the baking tray.
- Haddock Doneness: Haddock is best when it flakes easily. Avoid overcooking to retain moisture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a Light Salad: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette will balance the dish’s richness.
Wine Pairing
- For Haddock on a Pan, pairing it with a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works best. These wines offer a fresh citrus bite that complements the fish’s light, flaky texture without overpowering it.
- For a Bulgarian wine pairing, try a Tamianka or a Misket. Both wines have bright acidity and floral notes that pair beautifully with the delicate flavors of haddock, enhancing the dish’s freshness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Dietary Modifications
- Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with additional olive oil to make the dish dairy-free.
About the Haddock with Potatoes, Garlic, and Thyme
This dish combines pan-seared haddock’s light, flaky texture with the comforting crispiness of grilled potatoes, garlic, and fresh thyme. It’s an easy yet sophisticated meal that brings out the best in fresh seafood and simple herbs.
Cultural Context
Haddock (пикша, or бяла риба in Bulgarian) is commonly enjoyed in European cuisine. Paired with crispy potatoes and garlic, this dish pays homage to traditional Mediterranean and Eastern European cooking methods.
