Here’s the recipe for the easiest way to cook fish that I know.*
You need:
1) Some fish
2) Some herbs (optional- I used fennel tops)
3) Salt
Step 1:
A thin layer of salt in the pan.
Step 2:
Add fish (with herbs in their bellies if you’re using them)
Step 3:
A thin layer of salt to blanket the fish. (coarse salt is easier to remove after, but fine salt works too)
Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes.
Scrape off the salt and serve.
Part of a balanced dinner.
* Recipe adapted from the very excellent Pauper’s Cookbook by Jocasta Innes.
Garden Correspondent 
I had fish like this in Italy and always wanted to know how to do it. this is a great recipe! thank you and awesome pics too .. c
There are more elaborate ways to do this, but this is the basic version. All it does is keep what’s in the fish in the fish.
What a great, simple way to cook fish! I think we sometimes tend to complicate things for no reason. Keep it simple. 🙂
If a fish is good to begin with, I guess it doesn’t need much help.
I *do* wish Americans didn’t always insist on fillets…whole fish can be difficult to find.
I might have to journey down to the dock soon, and try to get ahold of some before they’re cut! Great, easy, TASTY method!
And Lord knows, there are plenty of fennel fronds out there to cut down!
And aren’t fennel tops just too pretty to part with? I read recently that they are a fine addition to dry beans as they cook. I’ll have to try it.
I agree this is such a lovely way to cook fish! So moist and tasty. And what a great blog you have here!
Thank you! I have been enjoying your tasty posts as well.
I love fish cooked in salt…it is so moist and the flavor is wonderful.
I agree; and it’s one of the easiest kitchen miracles to perform.
What a great idea – I’ve never tried cooking fish like this but I reckon this would be delish.
It is! I hope you’ll try it; you’ll see it’s a dish that takes care of itself.