Seared Halibut Served atop Wine-Cooked Leeks
Cook up a delectable dinner party or weeknight meal with this simple yet sophisticated dish! Thinly sliced leeks are braised in a flavorful combination of chicken broth, white wine vinegar, butter, herbs, and a hint of white wine. The leeks are cooked until tender and almost melting, providing a beautiful base for the main event - perfectly seared halibut fillets.
- Serves: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:1. 1½ lbs leeks, trimmed and sliced2. 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth3. ½ cup white wine4. 1½ teaspoons white wine vinegar5. 2 tablespoons butter (1/4 stick)6. 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste7. Freshly ground black pepper8. 3 Italian parsley sprigs9. 1 thyme sprig10. 1 bay leaf11. 4 halibut fillets (4-6 oz each)12. 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil13. 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
Instructions:1. Rinse leek slices thoroughly and place them in a colander to drain.2. In a large skillet, combine leeks, chicken broth, white wine, vinegar, butter, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, then add the parsley, thyme, and bay leaf. Cover with foil and a lid, allowing the leeks to braise for about 30 minutes or until tender.3. Season halibut fillets with salt and pepper, then sear in a separate skillet with oil over medium-high heat until cooked through (3-5 minutes on each side).4. Serve seared halibut fillets over the leeks, drizzling with the braising liquid and garnishing with chives.
For a heavenly dessert to finish off the meal, indulge in a decadent chocolate treat. Opt for a Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake, a velvety Chocolate Ganache Tart, or a light Chocolate Soufflé. Each dessert offers a delightful contrast to the flavors of the halibut and leeks, making for an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Cooking the Perfect Halibut:
- Season the halibut fillets well before cooking to ensure they have plenty of flavor.
- Make sure the pan is hot before adding the halibut fillets to ensure a nice sear.
- Don't flip the fillets too soon to guarantee a perfect sear.
- Instead of using white wine vinegar, you can also use white wine or lemon juice.
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
- Riesling or Gewurztraminer work well with the aromatic flavors of the leeks and the richness of the chocolate dessert.
- A leaner red like Pinot Noir can also complement the dish due to its medium body and acidity.
Fun Fact:
Halibut can live up to 50 years and grow to over 500 pounds! These flatfish are found in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the North Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
- This dish, featuring leeks braised in a combination of chicken broth, white wine, butter, herbs, and vinegar, serves 4 and is easy to prepare, taking only 10 minutes of prep and 1 hour of cook time.
- The leeks are accompanied by perfectly seared halibut fillets, which are seasoned and cooked in grapeseed oil, resulting in a beautiful and delicious main course.
- To enhance the dining experience, consider pairing this dish with Riesling, Gewurztraminer, or Pinot Noir, as these wines complement the aromatic flavors of the leeks and the richness of a decadent chocolate dessert.
- Fun fact: Halibut can live up to 50 years and grow to over 500 pounds. These flatfish are found in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the North Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
