Ingredients:
- 1 whole freshwater fish (such as trout or carp)
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 4 bay leaves
- 10 black peppercorns
- Salt, to taste
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Fish
Start by cleaning the fish thoroughly under cold running water. Remove the scales, guts, and fins. Once cleaned, pat the fish dry using paper towels. Season it with salt and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a large saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Marinate the Fish
Place the fish in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the fish is completely submerged. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight for better results.
Step 4: Fry the Fish
Remove the fish from the marinade and pat it dry using paper towels. Dredge it lightly in flour, making sure to coat both sides evenly. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the fish until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove the fish from the skillet and drain excess oil on paper towels.
Step 5: Prepare the Vegetables
In the same skillet used for frying the fish, add the thinly sliced onions, carrots, and celery stalks. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and lightly caramelized.
Step 6: Assemble and Finish
Transfer the fish to a serving platter and top it with the sautéed vegetables. Pour a ladleful of the marinade over the fish and vegetables. Let it cool to room temperature before serving.
Now that you have followed this easy step-by-step guide, you can enjoy the delightful flavors of Piemontese Carpione in the comfort of your home. Take your taste buds on a journey to Piedmont and savor this traditional Italian dish. Serve it as an appetizer or even a main course accompanied by a refreshing salad. Get ready for a culinary experience like no other!