Branzino al Sale

Ingredients

• 1 whole (about 2 lbs) branzino
• 2 cups sea salt
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 1 whole lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).

2. 2

   Rinse the branzino under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

3. 3

   Season the inside of the branzino with black pepper and stuff it with rosemary and half of the lemon, sliced.

4. 4

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the sea salt and egg whites. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.

5. 5

   Spread half of the salt mixture on a baking sheet in the shape of the branzino.

6. 6

   Place the branzino on top of the salt layer and cover it completely with the remaining salt mixture, pressing it down firmly to create a crust.

7. 7

   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The salt crust should turn hard and slightly golden.

8. 8

   Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

9. 9

   Carefully crack the salt crust open with a spoon or knife. Remove the branzino and discard the salt.

10. 10

    Drizzle the branzino with olive oil, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with the remaining lemon slices.