Having to think of what to cook for dinner every day is often the last thing we want to do after work, and a task that many dread, especially if you don't love . While coming up with for the week can help make this feel less of a chore, this also requires finding time to prepare them.
Cooking doesn't have to be overcomplicated, however, especially if you're following a that uses minimal ingredients and pots or pans. If you're pressed for time or simply don't feel like cooking an extravagant meal that requires a load of washing up afterwards, cooking meals in one tray is also a great option that promises . This fish gratin traybake is one example of that, using a few simple ingredients that come together to make a delicious dinner that's ready in just 15 minutes and can feed the whole family, or be kept in the fridge to enjoy later in the week.
Often used for potatoes, gratin might sound like a fancy culinary term, but it simply refers to the process of adding breadcrumbs, eggs or grated cheese on top of food to make a golden and crispy crust.
The recipe was shared by former Great British Bake Off contestant Manon Lagreve on Instagram. In the caption, she wrote: "I love meals which you can prepare and forget about in the oven or on the hob".
Adding pesto makes this recipe an easy favourite for the whole family, especially if you have young children who might be fussy eaters. While fish is a great source of protein, pesto provides most of the flavour in this dish, especially as Manon uses white fish that holds flavour particularly well.
It doesn't require hours of preparation either, and all of the ingredients can simply be thrown into an oven-safe tray together, making sure the fish is well covered. Cooking for 15 minutes at 180C, Manon served the gratin with pearl barley.
A grain often used in salads or stews, you could also serve this with your preferred grain, including rice or quinoa. Adding tomatoes and broccoli to the gratin saves you from having to make an extra side of veggies too.
How to make 15-minute fish gratin traybake with pesto creamIngredients
- Two fillets of white fish
- Head of broccoli
- A dozen cherry tomatoes
- Two tbsp pesto
- Two tbsp grated cheese
- 150ml double cream
- Three tablespoons olive oil
- Whole pearly barley, or your preferred grain of choice
Method
Depending on what grain you're cooking to go with the gratin, prepare this. Either wash your rice and put it on to cook, or if you're using pearl barley, boil this for six minutes in a saucepan and leave it to soak. For the gratin, make sure to oil the tray first using olive oil to make sure the fish doesn't stick to the base.
Dice your fish into even squares and add them to the tray. Chop your broccoli up and add this evenly to the tray, along with the cherry tomatoes, but don't cut these.
Add the pesto and cream to the fish and vegetables, and top with grated cheese. This will create the gratin. Cook for 15 minutes at 180C. Serve up your grains and plate the gratin on top to serve.
