Baked Tilapia with Whole Spices

Step 1:Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Rub a baking dish well with the oil, add the vegetables and whole spices, and toss to coat them lightly with oil. Arrange in an even layer.

Step 2:Rinse the fish well inside and out, pat dry, season lightly with salt, and place on top of the vegetables. Add the wine and 3 tablespoons of the stock. Make a loose tent of foil over the tail of the fish and place in the oven. Bake, rotating the pan once halfway through the cooking time, until a skewer easily enters the thickest part of the fish, 25 to 30 minutes. If you have an instant-reading thermometer, it should read 145 degrees F.to 150 degrees F.in the center near the bone.

Step 3:Transfer the fish to a warm serving platter. Strain the contents of the baking dish into a small saucepan; discard the spices and vegetables. Add the remaining stock, bring to a boil and reduce by a third. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Swirl in the butter if desired and pour over and around the fish on the platter.