Hake in Soviet Style: The Secret Recipe for Perfect Fish with Tomato Sauce.

According to ТСН: This recipe has been popular for over 40 years. No matter how many new dishes I try, the result always surprises. The fish turns out juicy, tender, and delicious.

This method is perfect for hake, pollock, or other white fish, even if you don't consider them particularly tasty.

How to Cook Hake in a Skillet

Necessary Ingredients

• hake - 2 pcs. (large carcasses)
• flour - 1 cup
• salt - 1 tsp. (for breading)
• fish spices - 1 tsp.
• ground black pepper - 0.5 tsp. (for breading)
• onion - 2-3 pcs. (medium)
• carrot - 2 pcs. (large)
• tomato sauce (or ketchup) - 4 tbsp.
• oil - 100 ml
• water - 400-500 ml
• salt - 1.5 tsp. (for the sauce)
• sugar - 1 tbsp.
• clove - 2-3 pcs. (buds)

Cooking Process

• First, take the fish, thoroughly clean it, rinse, and remove the entrails. Cut the carcasses into portion-sized pieces about 3-4 centimeters thick. In a regular plastic bag, pour in the flour, add salt, black pepper, and fish spices. Mix the mixture well.
• Put the prepared hake pieces in the bag, tightly close it, and shake vigorously. This will help each piece of fish be evenly coated with flour.
• In a skillet, heat the oil well. Place the pieces of fish and fry them over medium heat until a golden crust forms. Then flip and cook until fully done. Set aside the cooked fish temporarily.
• In the same skillet (or another), prepare the sauce. Finely chop the onion and place it in the heated oil. Sauté until translucent. Then grate the carrot on a coarse grater and add it to the onion. Stir and fry for five minutes.
• Add 100 milliliters of water, cover with a lid, and let the vegetables stew until soft. Introduce the tomato sauce (ketchup), sugar, salt, and definitely two to three cloves — this will give the dish a special aroma. Add the remaining water (around 350-400 milliliters) and mix thoroughly. Taste and, if necessary, adjust the balance of salt and sugar.
• The sauce should remain hot. Reduce the heat to the minimum, cover with a lid, and let it simmer while you finish with the fish.

Cooking hake with this recipe is not only simple but also incredibly tasty. Thanks to the combination of spices and vegetables, the fish has a unique aroma and flavor. This dish will be a great choice for a family dinner or a festive table. Bon appetit!