Pan-fried halibut with wild garlic minestrone

Ingredients

For the minestrone:

• olive oil 50ml/2fl oz
• onion finely chopped
• celery sticks 2, chopped
• carrot 1, peeled and chopped
• fennel bulb ½, trimmed and chopped
• French beans 30g/1oz, chopped
• purple sprouting broccoli spears 4, stalks chopped
• garlic clove 1, crushed
• Parmesan rind
• vegetable stock 500ml/18fl oz
• wild garlic small handful, roughly chopped
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the halibut:

• unsalted butter 25g/1oz
• garlic clove 1, crushed
• fresh rosemary sprig
• halibut fillets (skinless and boneless) 2 (200g/7oz each)
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Minestrone:

1. 1. Add olive oil to a large saucepan and heat over low heat.
   2. Sauté onion, celery, carrot, fennel, French beans, broccoli stalks, garlic, and Parmesan rind for about 25 minutes. Ensure vegetables soften without browning.
   3. Add vegetable stock and bring to the boil. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
   4. Remove Parmesan rind. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The Halibut:

1. Melt butter in a frying pan with garlic and rosemary until foaming (about 2 minutes).
2. Season the halibut fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Place the halibut in the foaming butter and fry for 2 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.

To Serve:

1. Stir the wild garlic into the minestrone just before serving to preserve its fresh flavour.
2. Arrange the halibut fillets on top of the minestrone and serve immediately.

Suggested Wine Pairing

Majestic: Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc

This crisp and zesty Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand complements the delicate flavours of halibut while enhancing the herbal notes of wild garlic. Its citrus undertones balance the richness of the butter perfectly.

Tesco: Finest Picpoul de Pinet

A refreshing white wine with bright acidity and floral aromas, this Picpoul pairs beautifully with fish dishes. Its subtle minerality mirrors the lightness of the minestrone, creating a harmonious pairing.

Sainsbury’s: Taste the Difference Gavi

This Italian Gavi offers a clean, crisp profile with hints of green apple and pear. Its vibrant character works wonderfully with the earthy vegetables and wild garlic, enhancing every bite of this dish.

What can you serve with this

1. Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the broth from the minestrone.
2. Green salad: A light, refreshing side that balances the richness of the buttered halibut.
3. Lemon wedges: Add a burst of citrus to brighten up the dish further.

Nutri-score Health Check

This recipe has been automatically calculated to score a Nutri-Score of B, indicating it is well-balanced. The score is based on its ingredients and nutritional profile, offering a guide to its healthiness.

Positive Factors:

• Vegetables: A wide variety of vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
• Olive oil: A healthy fat that contributes beneficial monounsaturated fats.

Negative Factors:

• Butter: While flavourful, butter increases saturated fat content.

The Nutri-Score system considers both positive and negative elements to calculate this rating. Enjoy this dish as part of a balanced diet!