Halibut with Pea Tendrils and Snap Peas

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This recipe comes from Corina Weibel, chef/owner of Canele restaurant in Atwater Village (last week’s Market Report)

For 2 people
2- 8 oz. portions of local halibut or sea bass
1 large handful of english peas – then shuck ’em
15 to 20 sugar snap peas – de-string then slice on a bias
1 small handful of pea tendrils
1 shallot sliced
salt
pepper
olive oil

You will need 2 pans for this.  Get one pan medium hot.  Season the fish with salt and a drizzle of olive oil.  Smear the fish with the olive oil.  When the pan is hot place the fish in the pan.  Let it cook for a couple of minutes on stove top, then place pan in a hot oven, (about 425 degrees) for about 5 minutes, or until desired doneness.  In the meantime heat another pan to medium.  Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and the shallots let the shallots sweat, then add the peas and sliced sugar snap peas.  Add a pinch of salt, saute the vegetables for a little bit then add 3 oz. liquid. (this could be chicken broth, fish stock or even water).  Let the liquid cook out a bit.  Taste for balance, take the pan off the heat and then toss in the handful of pea tendrils.  Toss in the pan and then slide onto a plate.  Take the fish out of the oven.  Check for doneness; when satisfactory place over vegetables and then drizzle with the saffron butter.

For the saffron buerre blanc
1/4 c. white wine vinegar
1 sliced shallot
1 sprig tarragon
1 sprig thyme
1 pinch of toasted saffron
1/4 pound unsalted butter – cut into squares
salt

Combine first 4 ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a simmer.  Allow to cook until almost completely reduced.  Strain into a metal bowl and add the toasted saffron.  Turn off the heat, but still in a warm place whisk in the butter slowly to create a beautifully emulsified sauce.  Add salt to taste and drizzle over cooked fish.