HAKE GRATIN

INGREDIENTS

• 800g hake fillets fresh or defrosted
• juice of 1 lemon
• sea salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons cake flour
• 500ml milk
• 2 small cloves garlic crushed
• ½-1 cup of breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chives finely chopped
• 2ml ground nutmeg

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.

2. Place the hake in a large baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Pour the lemon juice over the fish and set it aside.

3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to stir in the flour, then gradually pour in the milk, whisking the mixture until it is smooth and thickened. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the garlic, cheese and chives. Combine well and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.

4. Pour the warm sauce over the fish, ensuring it is evenly coated, and top the dish with breadcrumbs.

5. Bake the gratin in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until it is golden and bubbling.