Thursday, December 15, 2011

Halibut Roasted with Red Bell Peppers, Onions, and Russet Potatoes

The firm flesh of halibut makes it the perfect choice for this dish, but feel free to substitute salmon, cod, or any other thick fish. The bell peppers can be varied as well - exchange green for red or use a combination of red, green and yellow. You can also add rosemary, basil, or even mint to the gremolata, a classic Italian seasoning of parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. Accompany the dish with greens, such as spinach or chard.

Ingredients
  • 2  russet potatoes (about 1 pound) , scrubbed, halved lengthwise and cut into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1  large red bell pepper, quartered, seeded and cut into eight 1/2-inch wedges
  • 1  large white onion, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch wedges
  • 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt, divided
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoon(s) coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 teaspoon(s) coarsely chopped lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon(s) dried oregano
  • 1 clove(s) garlic, crushed
  • 1 1/2 pound(s) halibut fillet (about 3/4 inch thick) , skin removed, cut into 4 pieces
  • Lemon wedges


Directions
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place potatoes in a large roasting pan or on a large rimmed baking sheet; drizzle with oil and turn to coat evenly. Add bell pepper and onion. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.
    Roast the vegetables, turning the potatoes once or twice and moving the pepper and onion pieces around so they brown evenly, until the potatoes are starting to brown and are almost tender, about 35 minutes.
    While the vegetables are roasting, finely chop parsley, lemon zest, oregano, and garlic together to make gremolata. Season halibut with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper, then sprinkle with 2 teaspoons gremolata.
    Remove the pan from the oven. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees. Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan and place the halibut in the center. Spoon some of the onions and peppers over the halibut. Arrange the potatoes around the edges, turning the browned sides up.
    Roast until the vegetables are browned and tender and the halibut is opaque in the center, 10 to 15 minutes more, depending on the thickness of the fish. Sprinkle the remaining gremolata on top. Arrange the halibut and vegetables on a platter or individual plates. Serve with lemon wedges.