Hake with tomato sauce

Method

1. In a large non-stick pan, lightly fry the hake fillets without using any oil. This will help seal in the flavors. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5 minutes.
3. Add water and tomato paste to the sautéed onions, stirring well to combine everything. The tomato paste will give a rich and flavorful sauce to the dish. Continue to cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Carefully place the fried hake fillets into the tomato sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the pan with a lid to trap the moisture and heat.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the fish in the tomato sauce for 10 minutes, covered. This gentle cooking method will ensure the fish becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
6. After 10 minutes, carefully flip the fish fillets to the other side using a spatula. Cover the pan again and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This will ensure that both sides of the fish are cooked evenly.
7. Once the fish is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the tomato-glazed hake fillets with a side of your choice, such as steamed vegetables or rice.
8. Enjoy your meal! The tender hake fillets, combined with the flavorful tomato sauce, make for a delicious and satisfying dish.
9. Note: Feel free to garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for an added touch of freshness and color.