Gratinated Whiting with Chimay, Asparagus, and Potatoes
An elegant Belgian recipe that combines the smoothness of Chimay cheese, the delicacy of whiting, and the crunch of green asparagus. A balanced dish, perfect for a refined dinner or special occasion, where the flavors of land and sea harmoniously meet.
Ingredients
For 4 servings
- 12 green asparagus spears
- 1 tomato
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage
- 4 eggs
- 10 cl Chimay Blue (beer)
- 4 whiting fillets
- 200 g Chimay cheese
- Fresh herbs: thyme, parsley, tarragon
- 4 floury potatoes
- 10 cl olive oil
- Salt, pepper, chili powder
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Floury potatoes with Chimay
- Thoroughly wash the potatoes and slice them thinly (2 mm thick).
- Arrange them in a baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and Chimay Blue.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the oven, basting regularly (every 3 minutes) with the cooking juices.
- Cook for 20 minutes until tender and golden.
3. Gratinated whiting with Chimay
- In a bowl, coarsely crumble the Chimay cheese.
- Mix it with fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, tarragon).
- Place the whiting fillets in an ovenproof dish.
- Top them with the cheese-herb mixture.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
4. Cooking the vegetables
- Blanch the asparagus in a pot of salted boiling water.
- Cook over medium heat (they should remain crisp).
- Slice the tomato into even rounds.
- Season with salt and pepper, then dry in the oven for 5 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
Presentation
- On each plate, arrange a few asparagus spears.
- Add the tomato slices.
- Place a gratinated whiting fillet alongside.
- Serve with the potatoes.
- Drizzle everything with the remaining cooking juices.
Variations and Tips
- Other fish: Replace whiting with cod or monkfish for a different flavor.
- Lighter version: Reduce the amount of olive oil or use a spray for a less greasy result.
- Flavor balance: Add a squeeze of lemon to the fish before serving for a fresh touch.
- Cheese: If Chimay cheese is unavailable, try another Belgian soft cheese like Passendale.
- Pairing: Serve with a Chimay Blue or a dry white wine like Chablis to complement this dish.
This refined dish highlights the quality of Belgian products. The combination of Chimay cheese and whiting creates a perfect harmony between land and sea. Feel free to adjust the herbs to your taste to personalize this recipe. Enjoy your meal!