Whole Roasted Largemouth Bass

This 2 lb. Largemouth bass was caught yesterday in a local pond in the evening after a long time. It is best to cook as soon as possible. But I was done with my cooking by that time; so I covered it with lots of ice and refrigerated to use for today's lunch. It's a wonderful versatile fish with mild flavor and firm texture. I normally make light curry served over rice. Today I roasted it with lemon garlic pepper seasonings along with sweet potatoes in a different pan at the same time for 30 minutes. While they were being roasting in the oven I stir fried broccoli and lunch was served quickly. This is one of the easiest lazy weekend's meals without making any grain dish because sweet potato is full of fiber and other nutrients. Try this gluten and grain free meal for lunch or dinner. It's amazingly delicious.

The daunting task was cleaning the fish. It's messy but not that difficult. First cut the fins with kitchen scissors and scale the fish with the back of a knife from the tail to the head; Cut the gills and slightly slit belly horizontally and pull the gut out. Wash fish thoroughly. Slit fish almost to the bone 4-5 times each side so they get cooked through evenly. Pat dry with paper towel.

Ingredients~
1 whole bass
3 tbsp oil
1 tbsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp black pepper powder
Fresh or dried herbs of your choice
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
A few lemon slices, cut in half
Two large tomatoes, cut into quarters
A few garlic cloves
Half lemon

Method~
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grease the pan with oil. Mix together garlic powder, salt, black pepper, herbs, lemon juice and oil. Smear well with the spice mixture both sides and the inside of the fish. Place lemon pieces inside the slit.Place tomato quarters and garlic cloves on the pan. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until fish reaches an internal temperature at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit with an instant read thermometer but do not overcook either. Squeeze lemon juice over the roasted fish. Serve warm and enjoy!!

Happy cooking!!