This Stunning Stuffed Fish Will Steal the Show at Any Dinner

🐟 Stuffed Whole Fish in Rich Tomato Sauce

🛒 Ingredients

For the fish

• 1 large whole fish (cleaned and scaled)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and black pepper

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the stuffing (optional but delicious)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 cup partially cooked rice or finely chopped veggies

• Salt and seasoning to taste

For the sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• Green olives

• Red bell pepper strips

• Lemon slices

• Salt, pepper, paprika

• 1 tbsp olive oil

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Season the fish
Rub the fish with lemon juice, salt, pepper, spices, garlic, and olive oil.
Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2️⃣ Prepare the stuffing
Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the onion until soft.
Add bell pepper, parsley, and rice or veggies.
Season well, mix, and stuff the fish.

3️⃣ Make the sauce
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic.
Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and spices.
Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thick.
Add olives and stir.

4️⃣ Bake
Spread the sauce in a baking dish.
Place the stuffed fish on top.
Garnish with bell pepper strips and lemon slices.
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 35–45 minutes.
Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to lightly brown.

🍽️ Serve

Serve hot with crusty bread or rice… and a squeeze of fresh lemon on top 😋

If you want a restaurant-style plating or grilled version, tell me!