Fennel-Infused Baked Sea Bass Delight

Fennel-Infused Baked Sea Bass Delight

Ingredients:

• 4 sea bass fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced (reserve fronds for garnish)
• 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 large lemon, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or vegetable broth if you prefer)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly grease a large baking dish with some olive oil.

2. Prepare the Fennel and Aromatics:

   • Thinly slice the fennel bulb, keeping the slices uniform for even cooking.
   • Mince the garlic cloves.
   • Thinly slice the tomatoes and lemon.

3. Season the Sea Bass:

   • Pat the sea bass fillets dry with a paper towel.
   • Season both sides of each fillet with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
   • Rub the fillets with a touch of olive oil then sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and fennel seeds evenly over them.

4. Assemble the Baking Dish:

   • Arrange the sliced fennel, tomatoes, and half of the lemon slices at the bottom of the baking dish. Ensure they are spread evenly to create a bed for the fish.
   • Place the seasoned sea bass fillets on top of the vegetable bed.
   • Scatter the minced garlic over the fillets and vegetables.
   • Drizzle the 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil evenly over the entire dish.
   • Pour the dry white wine (or vegetable broth) into the dish around the fillets.

5. Bake the Sea Bass:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
   • Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. The baking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the sea bass fillets.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Once baked, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and remove the foil.
   • Garnish with the reserved fennel fronds, additional lemon slices, and freshly chopped parsley.
   • Serve the fennel-infused baked sea bass fillets hot, with the baked vegetables from the dish. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of wild rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.

Tips:

• For added depth of flavor, you can marinate the sea bass fillets in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, and fennel seeds for about 30 minutes before baking.
• If using fresh fennel seeds, lightly toast them in a dry pan for a minute before using to enhance their flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning and aromatics according to your preference; some people enjoy adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.

Enjoy your Fennel-Infused Baked Sea Bass Delight with a glass of chilled white wine or a citrusy sparkling water for a truly delightful meal!