Mediterranean Roasted Walleye
adapted from The Stray Cat Fishing Charters, Lake Erie
1½ lbs walleye
3 cloves garlic, divided
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 small fennel bulbs, trimmed, cored and thinly sliced
1 large onion, sliced
6 potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
1 14-ounce can plum tomatoes, drained and chopped, juice reserved
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon salt, divided
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons fine dry breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Combine 1½ tablespoons oil, 2 cloves garlic minced, fennel, and onion in a 9-by-13-inch (or similar size) baking dish and toss to coat. Roast uncovered, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 20 minutes.
Add potatoes, tomatoes and their juice, water, ¾ teaspoon salt and pepper. Cover tightly with foil and bake until the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes more.
Meanwhile, mince the remaining garlic clove and place in a small bowl. Add breadcrumbs, fennel seeds, lemon zest, the remaining ½ tablespoon oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt; season with pepper. Mix with your fingers until blended.
When the potatoes are tender, place fish on top of the vegetables and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over all. Roast, uncovered, until the fish is opaque in the center and the breadcrumbs are browned, 10 to 15 minutes.
Serve immediately.
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