Crispy Roasted Branzini with Burst Tomatoes and Creamy Butter Beans: A Mediterranean Delight

Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. Crispy skin, flaky white fish, sweet, bursting tomatoes, and creamy butter beans all come together in perfect harmony. This recipe for Crispy Roasted Branzini with Burst Tomatoes and Butter Beans is exactly that – a culinary journey in every bite.

Branzini, also known as European seabass, is a delicate and flavorful fish that’s perfect for roasting. Roasting it whole allows the skin to become incredibly crispy while keeping the flesh moist and tender. The burst tomatoes add a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the fish, while the butter beans provide a creamy, comforting base. This dish is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor.

Let’s dive into the details of creating this Mediterranean masterpiece. We’ll cover everything from sourcing the best ingredients to mastering the roasting technique, ensuring your branzini turns out perfectly crispy every time.

## Ingredients:

This recipe is designed to serve two people. Adjust the quantities as needed for larger gatherings.

* **Branzini:** 2 whole branzini (about 1 pound each), scaled and gutted. Ensure your fishmonger thoroughly scales the fish. A few stray scales are fine, but excessive scaling is essential for achieving crispy skin.
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** 1 pint, mixed colors (red, yellow, orange) for visual appeal and a variety of flavors.
* **Butter Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed. You can also use dried butter beans that have been soaked and cooked until tender. About 1 1/2 cups of cooked butter beans is equivalent.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, thinly sliced. Thinly sliced garlic infuses the oil with flavor without burning easily.
* **Fresh Basil:** 1/4 cup, roughly chopped. Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the tomatoes and fish perfectly.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup, roughly chopped. Parsley adds a fresh, clean flavor.
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/4 cup (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio). The wine adds a subtle acidity and depth of flavor to the sauce. Chicken broth can be substituted if you prefer.
* **Olive Oil:** 1/4 cup, plus extra for drizzling. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Lemon:** 1, thinly sliced. Lemon slices placed inside the fish cavity and on top add a bright citrusy aroma and flavor.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste). Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously, as the fish needs to be well-seasoned to prevent it from tasting bland.

## Equipment:

* Large baking sheet
* Parchment paper (optional, but recommended for easier cleanup)
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Sharp knife
* Cutting board
* Small bowl

## Instructions:

Follow these detailed steps to create your Crispy Roasted Branzini with Burst Tomatoes and Butter Beans:

**1. Prepare the Branzini:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the fish inside for optimal crisping.
* Pat the branzini dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
* Using a sharp knife, score the skin of each branzini 3-4 times on each side. Make shallow diagonal cuts about an inch apart. Scoring allows the heat to penetrate the skin, rendering the fat and creating crispy edges. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the flesh.
* Season the inside and outside of each branzini generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Branzini is a delicate fish and needs a good amount of salt to bring out its flavor.
* Place 2-3 thin slices of lemon inside the cavity of each branzini. This adds a lovely citrus aroma and flavor as the fish roasts.

**2. Roast the Branzini:**

* Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (optional, but recommended for easy cleanup). Parchment paper prevents the fish from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
* Drizzle the baking sheet with a tablespoon of olive oil.
* Place the prepared branzini on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
* Drizzle each branzini with a little more olive oil, focusing on the scored skin. Ensure the scored skin is well-coated with oil for maximum crispiness.
* Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the flesh is cooked through. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C). Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fish; the flesh should flake easily.

**3. Prepare the Burst Tomatoes and Butter Beans:**

* While the branzini is roasting, heat the remaining olive oil (about 3 tablespoons) in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Use a large skillet to accommodate all the tomatoes and butter beans.
* Add the thinly sliced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Stir frequently.
* Add the cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Toss to coat the tomatoes with the garlic-infused oil.
* Cook the tomatoes for 8-10 minutes, or until they begin to soften and burst. As the tomatoes cook, gently press down on them with a spatula to encourage them to burst and release their juices.
* Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the sauce to slightly reduce. This step intensifies the flavor of the sauce.
* Add the drained and rinsed butter beans to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the butter beans are heated through.
* Season the tomato and butter bean mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to your preference.

**4. Assemble and Serve:**

* Once the branzini is cooked through, carefully remove it from the oven.
* Transfer the burst tomatoes and butter beans to a serving platter.
* Place the crispy roasted branzini on top of the tomato and butter bean mixture.
* Garnish with fresh basil and parsley.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Achieving Perfectly Crispy Skin:

* **Dry the Fish Thoroughly:** As mentioned earlier, moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Pat the branzini dry with paper towels before scoring and seasoning.
* **Score the Skin:** Scoring the skin allows heat to penetrate, rendering the fat and creating crispy edges.
* **Use Enough Oil:** Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount of olive oil, especially on the scored skin. The oil helps to conduct heat and crisp the skin.
* **High Heat:** Roasting at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) helps to crisp the skin quickly without overcooking the fish.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Give the fish enough space on the baking sheet so that the heat can circulate evenly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
* **Consider Broiling:** For the last few minutes of cooking, you can broil the fish on high heat to further crisp the skin. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.

## Variations and Substitutions:

* **Other Fish:** If you can’t find branzini, you can substitute other similar white fish, such as sea bass, snapper, or cod. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the fish.
* **Beans:** If you don’t have butter beans, you can use cannellini beans, great northern beans, or even chickpeas. Each type of bean will impart a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the tomato mixture, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or olives. These additions can add more depth of flavor and nutrients to the dish.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary. Each herb will impart a unique aroma and flavor to the dish.
* **Spice:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Citrus:** Try using different types of citrus, such as oranges or grapefruits, to add a unique twist to the dish.

## Serving Suggestions:

This Crispy Roasted Branzini with Burst Tomatoes and Butter Beans is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with the following sides:

* **Crusty Bread:** For soaking up the delicious tomato and butter bean sauce.
* **Quinoa or Couscous:** For a more substantial meal.
* **Green Salad:** For a light and refreshing side.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.

## Wine Pairing:

A crisp, dry white wine is the perfect accompaniment to this dish. Some excellent choices include:

* **Sauvignon Blanc:** Its grassy notes and high acidity complement the tomatoes and fish beautifully.
* **Pinot Grigio:** Its light and refreshing character pairs well with the delicate flavors of the branzini.
* **Vermentino:** Its citrusy notes and minerality enhance the Mediterranean flavors of the dish.

## Health Benefits:

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:

* **Branzini:** A good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins D and B12.
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and lycopene.
* **Butter Beans:** A good source of fiber, protein, and iron.
* **Olive Oil:** A healthy fat that is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

## Conclusion:

This Crispy Roasted Branzini with Burst Tomatoes and Butter Beans is a delightful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its crispy skin, flaky fish, sweet tomatoes, and creamy butter beans, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in your own home!

Enjoy your culinary adventure!