Sofia Vergara loves this delectable Red Snapper recipe

Red snapper. PHOTO: Stock image

Actress Sofia Vergara, known for her role in the TV series “Modern Family,” brings a taste of Italy to her kitchen despite a busy filming schedule. As a frequent visitor to Miami’s Delano Hotel, she delights in their Italian cuisine, particularly the signature red snapper from Bianca, their trendy Italian eatery.

Vergara shares this favored dish with her fans, describing it as a simple yet delectable Italian classic. This recipe reflects her preference for fresh, light flavors that transport her from Miami Beach to Italy with every bite.

Ingredients

Snapper Ingredients:

• Red Snapper Filet: 7 oz
• Thyme Sprig: 1
• Bay Leaf: 1
• Basil Leaf: 1 large
• Lemon: 1, sliced
• Basil-infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ½ tsp
• Salt and Pepper: to taste

Cherry Tomato Salad Garnish Ingredients:

• Sweet 100 Tomatoes: ¼ cup, halved
• Zucchini: 2 tbsp, small diced and blanched
• Red Onion: 1 tbsp, small diced and blanched
• Black Gaeta’s Olives: 2 tsp, chopped
• Green Cerignola Olives: 2 tsp, chopped
• Garlic: 1 tsp, minced
• Preserved Lemon or Lemon Zest: ½ tsp, minced
• Parsley: pinch, chopped
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1 tsp
• Salt and Pepper: to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• San Marzano Tomatoes: ¼ cup
• Roasted Red Peppers: 2 tbsp, skins removed
• Garlic: ½ clove
• Chili Flake: 1 pinch
• Toasted Chopped Almonds: 1 tbsp
• White Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tbsp
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
• Kosher Salt: 1 tsp
• Water: ¼ cup (adjust as needed for consistency)

Directions

STEP 1
Prepare the Snapper: Trim and portion the red snapper fillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. On pieces of Carta Fata paper or parchment, lay out slices of lemon, overlapping slightly. Place a thyme sprig, bay leaf, and large basil leaf on the lemons, and set the fish on top. Drizzle with basil-infused olive oil, seal the edges, and tie with butcher’s twine or fold and crease the parchment to seal. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

STEP 2
Make the Cherry Tomato Salad: In a large sauté pan over medium heat, heat olive oil, add halved tomatoes, and toss briefly. Incorporate the zucchini, red onion, olives, garlic, preserved lemon, and parsley. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to warm through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

STEP 3
Prepare the Sauce: In a blender, combine San Marzano tomatoes, roasted red peppers, garlic, chili flake, toasted almonds, white balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Puree until smooth. Gradually add water and salt to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

STEP 4
Serve: Once baked, open the fish package, remove any herbs or lemon stuck to the fish, and place on a tray. Top with warm cherry tomato salad. Transfer to a plate and surround with a few tablespoons of sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy this vibrant dish that mirrors the simplicity and freshness loved by Sofia Vergara.

Bell peppers and red snapper. PHOTO: Stock image