- Whole Striped Bass cleaned and scaled, about 1 1/2 – 2 lbs
- Approx. 3 cups sea salt
- Few Sprigs Rosemary
- Few Slices lemon
- Olive Oil (to rub on fish)
The second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (After Sicily), Sardinia is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The land, the people, the food–all will grab your heart and call you to return again and again. Outside of Costa Smeralda where the rich and famous moor their yachts and swim in the unbelievably blue waters, Sardinia is generally a humble place. You won’t see many 5-star hotels lining the coastline and obscuring the view, although the beaches are among the most beautiful in the world. For me, the best of Sardinia is all about wandering the small towns after a heavenly day at the beach.
We have enjoyed some of our best meals here. During our first trip, my husband and our friends ordered a salt-baked fish at the restaurant of the Costa Dorada Hotel in Cala Gonone. When the waiter came out to serve the dish–proceeding to crack open the salt crust and unearthing the juicy, tender, meaty treasure inside–my companions were rightfully impressed. The fish was sweet, delicious, not salty at all. The salt creates a shell to steam the fish and seal in the moisture. I had seen a recipe in one of my cookbooks before but I’d never tried it. Of course, since my husband loved it so, I was motivated serve this to him once we returned home. I have made this several times now and it’s never disappointed. This was dinner tonight and I served it with sauteed spinach and Italian Salsa Verde, one of the easiest, most versatile sauces you can prepare. In fact, it warrants its own post, so stay tuned.
Salt-Baked Fish
Kay says
This looks gorgeous! Especially the photo with the lemon slices. Must admit that I’ve never combined rosemary with fish before. Will try it soon! Spring is in the air, time for lighter food!
lemonsandanchovies says
Kay, I’m honored that you visited my humble blog. Thank you! As for the rosemary, I have it growing all over our yard–have to use it somehow. 🙂
Junee says
I love fish, and I love salty stuff. My DH always wondered why I would eat my pineapples and watermelons with salt but that’s just the way I like eating my fruit. This looks really delish, I am going to try it when my DH is not around. He is strictly vegetarian and hates any meat being cooked at home, haha.
Really great blog you have here by the way! 🙂