Jordanian-style White Wine Braised Sea Bass

Ingredients

In the Jordanian adaptation of Grdobina u bijelom vinu, the traditional Croatian dish, we incorporate Middle Eastern spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric to infuse the sea bass with a unique flavor profile. Additionally, we use white wine to add a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the dish, which is not typically found in the original Croatian recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Grdobina u bijelom vinu, so you can check it out.

• 4 sea bass fillets (about 6 ounces/170g each) 4 sea bass fillets (about 6 ounces/170g each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 cup (240ml) white wine 1 cup (240ml) white wine
• 1 cup (240ml) fish or vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) fish or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the sea bass fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. 3.
   Push the onion and garlic to one side of the skillet and place the sea bass fillets in the pan, spice-coated side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
4. 4.
   Flip the sea bass fillets and pour in the white wine and fish or vegetable broth. Bring the liquid to a simmer and cover the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. 5.
   Remove the sea bass fillets from the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter. Stir in the lemon juice and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Pour the sauce over the sea bass fillets and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with fragrant rice or warm flatbread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sea bass — Ensure that the sea bass fillets are fresh and of high quality. If sea bass is not available, you can substitute it with other firm white fish such as grouper or snapper.
• White wine — Choose a dry white wine with a subtle fruity flavor, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to enhance the taste of the dish.
• Fresh parsley — Use fresh parsley for garnishing as it adds a vibrant color and a refreshing herbal note to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavors, marinate the sea bass fillets in the spice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mixture.
• Serve the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Experiment with different herbs such as mint or cilantro for a unique twist on the garnish.

Serving advice

Serve the Jordanian-style White Wine Braised Sea Bass as the main course of a special dinner or family gathering. Accompany it with fragrant rice or warm flatbread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Add a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sea bass fillets on a platter, spooning the aromatic sauce over them. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve the dish with a side of fragrant rice or warm flatbread, and place a lemon wedge on the side for an inviting presentation.