My Family Psari Plaki Recipe

[d_kakavouli]

With Lent in full swing, I wanted to share one of my go-to dishes that’s both delicious and totally fitting for this time of year: Psari Plaki – a traditional Greek baked fish with tomatoes, onions, olive oil, and herbs.

This recipe has been passed down in my family and it brings back memories of cozy kitchen evenings and the smell of sweet onions and garlic in the oven. It’s a favorite during Lent, especially on those no-meat days when you still want something hearty and satisfying.

Here’s how we make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole white fish (like cod, haddock, or sea bass) or fillets
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 ripe tomatoes, grated or 1 can crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup chopped parsley
• ½ cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt & pepper
• Optional: sliced potatoes or bell peppers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large pan, sauté onions in olive oil until soft and golden. Add garlic, then stir in tomatoes. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley.
4. Lay your fish in a baking dish and pour the tomato mixture over it. You can also add potato slices if you want to make it more filling.
5. Cover with foil and bake for about 30–40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to let it brown a bit.
6. Serve warm with crusty bread or rice!

This dish is light, flavorful, and packed with Mediterranean goodness. I make it at least once a week during Lent, and it never gets old.

Let me know if you try it – or if your family makes a different version. I’d love to swap tips!

 

[k_tsoukalas]

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful recipe — Psari Plaki is such a flavorful dish, and your version sounds absolutely delicious! I love how these traditional meals connect us to family memories and faith. In my house, we do something similar but add a touch of cinnamon to the tomato sauce.

I also like to layer sliced zucchini or eggplant under the fish when I want to make it more veggie-forward. It soaks up all the juices and adds an extra dimension to the dish.

This recipe is such a great reminder that Lenten meals don’t have to feel like a sacrifice. I’ll definitely be making your version this week. Thank you again for the inspiration, and I’d love to hear more about your family’s Lenten favorites!