Ingredients

For the Carp and Marinade:

• Carp fish: 1 whole fish (cleaned and scaled)
• Salt: To taste (about 1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper: To taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
• Ground coriander: 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons

For the Roasted Vegetables:

• Potatoes: 8 medium-sized, peeled and cut into wedges
• Green bell pepper: 1, sliced into strips
• Celery root: 1 medium, peeled and cubed
• Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup (around 150 g)
• Onions: 2 medium, sliced into rings
• Carrots: 3 medium, peeled and sliced into rounds
• Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Optional herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Carp and Marinade

1. Clean and season the carp: Ensure that your carp is cleaned, gutted, and scaled. Rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Make 2-3 shallow cuts on each side of the fish to help the marinade penetrate deeper.
2. Mix the marinade: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth marinade.
3. Marinate the fish: Rub the marinade all over the carp, making sure to get it into the slits you made earlier. Allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If possible, refrigerate it for up to 1 hour to enhance the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Prepare the potatoes: Peel and cut 8 medium-sized potatoes into wedges. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cut the vegetables: Slice the green bell pepper into strips, chop the celery root into cubes, slice the onions into rings, and slice the carrots into rounds. Add all the prepared vegetables to the bowl with the potatoes.
3. Add cherry tomatoes: Add 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (whole or halved) to the bowl with the other vegetables.
4. Season the vegetables: Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables. Add salt and pepper to taste and toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated.

Step 3: Roast the Vegetables

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Arrange the vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables in an even layer on a large baking sheet or roasting pan. Make sure the vegetables are spread out to ensure even roasting.
3. Roast the vegetables: Place the vegetables in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and develop a golden color. The vegetables should be about halfway cooked before adding the fish.

Step 4: Bake the Carp

1. Add the carp to the roasting pan: Once the vegetables have started to roast, remove the pan from the oven. Place the marinated carp in the center of the roasting pan, arranging the vegetables around the fish.
2. Continue baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake the fish and vegetables together for an additional 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of your fish. The carp is done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°F (63°C).

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and serve: Once the fish is fully cooked, remove the pan from the oven. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired. Serve the baked carp alongside the roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips

• Ensure even roasting: To achieve even roasting, make sure the vegetables are cut into similar sizes, and avoid overcrowding the pan. This will help the vegetables roast instead of steam.
• Add herbs for extra flavor: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavor of both the fish and vegetables. You can place sprigs of fresh herbs on top of the fish while it bakes.
• Use a fish rack: If you have a fish rack, you can place the carp on it in the roasting pan. This allows the heat to circulate around the fish, resulting in more even cooking.
• Don’t over-marinate the fish: While marinating the fish adds flavor, be careful not to over-marinate it, especially if you’re using soy sauce. Marinating for 30 minutes to 1 hour is plenty to infuse the flavors.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the fish and vegetables in the oven to maintain their texture, or you can reheat them in the microwave for a quicker option.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked fish, but note that the texture may change slightly when thawed. Wrap the fish tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Vitamin C: 70% DV
• Potassium: 800 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fish for this recipe?
   • Yes, this recipe works well with other whole fish like sea bass, trout, or tilapia. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the fish you choose.
2. How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the pan?
   • Greasing the baking sheet with olive oil or lining it with parchment paper will help prevent the fish from sticking. You can also place the fish on a bed of vegetables to lift it slightly from the pan.
3. Can I add more vegetables?
   • Absolutely! You can add vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or parsnips to the roasting pan. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes so they roast evenly.
4. Do I need to scale and gut the fish myself?
   • If possible, ask your fishmonger to clean, scale, and gut the fish for you. This saves time and ensures the fish is ready to cook.
5. Can I use pre-cut frozen vegetables?
   • Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before roasting to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent proper browning.

Conclusion

This baked carp with roasted vegetables is a delightful and nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. The combination of tender, marinated carp and the crispy, caramelized vegetables makes this meal a comforting yet elegant option for any dinner occasion. With its rich flavors and simplicity, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy fish and vegetables in a wholesome, satisfying way.

Serve it with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices, and enjoy a healthy, balanced meal that brings the best of land and sea together on one plate. Happy cooking!