Italian > Seafood

Charales with Fennel and Olives Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb charales (small fish)
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the charales and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the fennel and olives to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Push the fennel and olives to the sides of the skillet and add the charales to the center. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve the charales with the fennel and olives, and lemon wedges on the side.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 20g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Charales can be substituted with any small fish, such as sardines or anchovies.
- Kalamata olives can be substituted with any other type of pitted olives.

Variations:
- Add chopped tomatoes to the skillet for a more Mediterranean flavor.
- Substitute the fennel with sliced onions for a different flavor profile.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pat the charales dry before seasoning them to ensure a crispy skin.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the fish from sticking to the pan.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil

Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the fish is sticking to the pan, make sure the skillet is well-oiled before adding the fish.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the fish is cooked through before serving.

Food history:
- Charales are a type of small freshwater fish commonly found in Mexico and Central America.

Flavor profiles:
- Salty, tangy, and slightly spicy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main course with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

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Region: Spanish

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Salty, Herbal, Aromatic