Halibut With Braised Fennel (requires Advance Preparation)
Serves 4
A simply cooked piece of fish is hard to beat but I do enjoy more flavor alternation in my seafood. The fruits and spice flavors that are added to this dish bring on a match for Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris
You’ll Need:
FOR THE INFUSED OIL:
Peel of 1 orange, cut into large strips
3 whole stalks lemongrass, trimmed and chopped
1 3″ piece ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
1⁄2 bulb fennel, cored and thinly sliced
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
FOR THE FISH:
2 lbs. small fennel, trimmed and thickly sliced lengthwise
4 6-oz. halibut filets, with skin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
1 medium tomato, seeded and finely diced
Here’s What To Do:
For the infused oil: Combine orange peel, lemongrass, ginger, chopped fennel, and oil in a small pan; bring to a near boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat, cover, and steep overnight. Strain and reserve the oil.
For the fish: Cook sliced fennel in 2 tbsp. infused oil in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes per side. Lower heat, add 1/2 cup water, cover, and simmer till very tender, about 30 minutes. Remove from pan; set aside.
In the same skillet, heat 3 tbsp. infused oil over high heat, season the fish with salt and pepper and sear, 2 minutes per side. Lower heat to medium, cover, and cook until fish is firm, about 7 minutes. Serve fish over fennel, drizzled with remaining infused oil, and garnished with basil, thyme, and tomato.
What Goes With What Wines Selections
Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes ‘08 Argentina. (Torrontes)
This wine is straw-colored and offers up a perfume of spring flowers, peach, apricot, and a hint of citrus. On the palate the wine is dry and succulent while retaining a sense of elegance. This nicely balanced wine features a lengthy, fruit-filled finish.”R88 $10.99
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Lumos Gewurztraminer Temperance Hill Vineyard ’07 Oregon (Gewurztraminer)
A beautiful, dry wine that has classic Gewurztraminer aromatics. It’s very spicy, floral, and citrusy. R89 $20
http://www.lumoswine.com/