Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2.5 lbs halibut fillets (cod or salmon can also be used)
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 3-4 medium leeks, cleaned and coarsely chopped
- 1 Meyer lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 mandarin or regular orange, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh dill or tarragon, chopped
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus an additional ¼ to ½ cup)
- Salt, to taste
- Dukkah or other herb blend, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Saffron Infusion:
- Crush the saffron threads and soak them in 2-3 tablespoons of warm water. Let it sit to infuse.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare the Citrus:
- Thinly slice the Meyer lemon and mandarin (or orange) using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Cook the Leeks and Aromatics:
- In a large ovenproof pan or Dutch oven, heat ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the coarsely chopped leeks and cook for about 10 minutes until they soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sliced citrus. Season with salt and cook for a few more minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Remove half of the leek-citrus mixture from the pan and set it aside.
- Season the halibut fillets generously with salt.
- Place the seasoned fish in the pan on top of the remaining leek-citrus mixture.
- Pour the saffron infusion over the fish.
- Top the fish with the reserved leek-citrus mixture.
- Sprinkle dukkah or your chosen herb blend over the top, if using.
- Drizzle an additional ¼ to ½ cup of extra-virgin olive oil over the assembled ingredients.
- Bake:
- Cover the pan and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the pan from the oven.
- Serve the baked halibut with the saffron-infused leeks and citrus slices.
- Pair with crusty bread, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes:
- Ensure the leeks are thoroughly cleaned to remove any grit.
- Adjust the amount of olive oil to your preference, keeping in mind that it adds richness to the dish.
- Dukkah is an Egyptian spice blend that adds a nutty, herby flavor and a bit of crunch. It’s optional but recommended for added depth.
