Monday, April 18, 2011

Halibut with Julienned Vegetables and Sundried Tomatoes


Yup another fish recipe, thanks to "Lenten Friday with Zenie".  That of course would be my mom , known to small children as Zenie......I guess a lot easier than saying Zelinda. Luckily, I had just bought the most beautiful piece of halibut and was thrilled to find out that my mom would be joining us for dinner. No last minute substitute this time around.....remember Wednesday's tuna croquettes? Although super easy to prepare, the halibut served with julienne vegetables and an asparagus saffron risotto could grace any fine restaurant menu. Hope you give it a try. 


Ingredients:
1 lb halibut cut into four serving portions
3 tablespoons light olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
salt and pepper
1 zucchini 
1 yellow sweet pepper
1/2 shallots finely chopped
4-5 sun-dried tomatoes finely sliced
large capers (2 per serving)
1/4 cup of brandy

Pre-heat the oven to 375º F.  Cut  the vegetables and chop the shallots into julienne cut(thin long strips). Set aside. Season the halibut with salt and pepper. Heat the oil and butter on medium-high heat. The oil and butter should sizzle once you place the fish in the pan. Sear the fish well, about 2-3 minutes. Once the fish has formed a brown crust and releases easily with a spatula, turn to brown on the other side. Turn only once. If there is excess fat, transfer a tablespoon to a separate frying pan in which you will saute the vegetables. Remove the pan from the heat. Transfer to the oven where it will continue to cook for about ten minutes, depending on the thickness of the halibut.

While the fish finishes cooking begin sauteing the vegetables. Add a tablespoon each of butter and light olive oil to the oil already in the pan. Heat on medium high heat. Add the shallots and saute for 2 minutes. Toss in the peppers, zucchini, capers, sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for a minute before adding the
brandy.
Continue cooking to allow the brandy to reduce and flavours to infuse. Serve on the baked fish. Makes 4 portions.
.

24 comments:

  1. Absolutely gorgeous! Looks fantastic Anna, nice job and it is wonderful to share good food with those you love, isn't it? Especially when you end up having enough!

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  2. This looks totally flavoursome, healthy and tasty!

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  3. What a gorgeous dish...just so flavorful and wonderfully beautiful!

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  4. love the caper berry - what a great looking dish.

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  5. Such a gorgeous meal! And the huge capers are incredible...yum!

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  6. I definitely don't see caper berries often enough in recipes. Love this post!

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  7. What a lovely meal. You combined so many wonderful flavors. I am loving the thought of that risotto, too!

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  8. Looks beautiful. The caper berry really caught my attention.

    Happy Easter to you and your family.
    Velva

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  9. Nothing compares to a beautiful piece of halibut, I always consider it to be the filet mignon of fish. You made a stunning meal, the risotto must compliment the fish perfectly.

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  10. Susie, I'm so fortunate to still be able to share recipes and meals with my mom. Nothing makes me feel prouder than when a meal hits a home-run with her. She remains an amazing cook and inspiration for me.

    Thanks Angie. The whole family seemed to really enjoy the halibut and risotto.

    Alisha, I had to be careful to balance out the flavours as to not overpower the mild taste of the halibut. Using yellow capsicum peppers and zucchini worked well.

    Christo, given the stunning dishes you post, I'm humbled by your comment. Thank you

    Lizzy, I too find the caper berries beautiful. Surprising how something so simple can add to the whole presentation.

    Thanks Kristen, I made sure to use delect flavoured vegetables as to not overpower the halibut which has such a mild taste. The risotto also seemed to work well.....who doesn't love risotto?

    Velva,thank you so much for the greetings. I would also like to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Easter.
    I too think they are pretty. I'm so glad I ran out of my regular capers....these really made for a lovely presentation.

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  11. Hi Ava,
    You were reading my mind! I thought the same think as I relished each bite of this meaty fish. However I don't think it will compete with Chuck's burger meal we're about to take on...ha!ha!

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  12. This looks so healthy and that beauty of this dish would certainly stimulate my palate.

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  13. Anna, this looks delicious and the colors are so gorgeous..thanks for stopping by my blog too. I could eat halibut every day of the week.

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  14. Anna, this looks truly outstanding. It was good enough to get me to browse through your earlier entries. I'm new here and wanted you to know how much I enjoyed my visit to your site. I love the food and recipes you share with your readers and I'll definitely be back. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  15. Anna, thank you for stopping curryandcomfort.com
    Your recipes look wonderful and your photos are beautiful...I'm drooling at how yummy the look! : )

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  16. This looks so nice, I bet your Mom was really pleased she came round!

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  17. Anna-Your halibut with the peppers, risotto, and the yummy huge capers are "out of this world" The presentation, and your photos are lovely, as well:D
    Thank you for your sweet and caring comment on my blog. Unfortunately, I will be "hobbling" around on this sprained ankle for a few more weeks!

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  18. wow i'm sure the dinner could trump any restaurant menu...looks delicious and highly tempting!

    Happy Easter!

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  20. looks tasty Anna, I love it!beautiful post! A warm hug...

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  21. Lisa, thanks for dropping by and the lovely comment.

    Seattle Pastry Girl, I'm also a big fan of halibut. Not only healthy but also so satisfying.

    Mary, thank you so much for visiting my blog. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the recipes.I look forward to your future visits. Your support means a lot to me. Have a lovely week-end.

    Ramona, I would like to extend a warm welcome to my blog. Thank you for the visit and the wonderful comment.

    Thanks Caroline. It did get mom's seal of
    approval. She really enjoyed the halibut.

    Thanks,Spoon and Chopsticks. I think the caper berries really enhanced the presentation.

    Chiara, so nice to have you visit. The dish is quite simple but delicious...as you've said in the past it's important to have good ingredients.

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  22. Anna, Nice dish. I have been going through your earlier entries.

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  23. what a beautiful dish! and so many great colors/flavors.

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