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Paling in ‘t Groen (Eel in Green Herb Sauce)

Belgian Paling in ‘t Groen (Eel in Green Herb Sauce)

Tender eel simmered in white wine and fish stock, finished with a vibrant purée of fresh herbs like sorrel, chervil, and tarragon.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Belgian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pan or Dutch oven
  • Blender (handheld or standard)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Ladle or spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg fresh eel cleaned and cut into 5 cm pieces
  • 2 shallots finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 500 ml fish stock or water
  • 250 ml dry white wine
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 handful fresh sorrel chopped
  • 1 handful fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 handful fresh chervil chopped
  • 1 handful fresh mint chopped
  • 1 handful fresh tarragon chopped
  • 1 handful fresh spinach chopped
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • To begin, pat the eel pieces dry with paper towels. Lightly season with salt and black pepper. This helps the fish retain its delicate flavour and enhances seasoning absorption.
  • In a large pan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened but not browned. This step builds the base flavour for the sauce.
  • Pour in the white wine and fish stock. Stir in the bay leaf and white wine vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The acidity in the wine and vinegar will balance the richness of the eel.
  • Gently place the eel pieces into the simmering liquid. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 15–20 minutes over low heat. The eel should become tender but still hold its shape. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Meanwhile, finely chop all the fresh herbs. For the most vibrant sauce, mix the herbs just before adding them to preserve their fresh, grassy aroma.
  • Remove the cooked eel from the pan and set aside on a warm plate. Discard the bay leaf. Turn off the heat and add the chopped herbs and spinach into the cooking liquid. Stir well, letting the residual heat gently wilt the greens.
  • Using a handheld blender, puree the herb sauce until smooth. If a thicker consistency is desired, let the sauce simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and an extra dash of vinegar if needed.
  • Return the eel to the pan, coating it in the green sauce. Serve immediately with crusty bread, crispy fries, or boiled potatoes. Garnish with a lemon wedge for a fresh citrus kick.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 49gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 330mgSodium: 588mgPotassium: 918mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 8887IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 108mgIron: 2mg
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