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White fish poached in tomatoes, chillies and basil

Poached White Fish with Tomatoes, Chillies and Basil

A summer dinner party favourite
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 6-8 oz white fish filets like halibut, cod or basa, skin and bones removed
  • 600 g cherry tomatoes
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 4 tbsp Calabrian peppers in oil
  • 1 white onion
  • 20 basil leaves
  • 2 lemons
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • crusty bread for serving
  • salt I'm using Diamond Crystal Kosher
  • cracked black pepper

Method
 

  1. Season each piece of fish all over with salt. Thinly slice 6 garlic cloves, cut 600g cherry tomatoes in halves and dice 1 white onion.
  2. In a large pan with fitted lid, heat 3 tbsp olive oil on medium. Add sliced garlic and cook until softened and fragrant. Reduce heat to low, add 4 tbsp Calabrian peppers and let cook for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Add diced onion and cook until softened. When the onions are soft, add tomatoes and season with ½ tsp salt. Cook until the tomatoes are bursting and a jammy sauce is starting to form.
  3. Peel six long strips of lemon peel and add it to the tomato mixture. Cover in 1/2 cup wine and bring to a simmer. Cook like this until the alcohol smell is gone and a sweet, lemon-y aroma is left. Place the fish in the pan and cover with enough water to come up half-way on each filet. Turn heat to the lowest setting and cover. Let cook for 10 minutes. An instant-read thermometer placed in the thickest part of the fish should read 110°F. If it doesn’t, let it cook for a few more minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 more minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 135°F.
  4. Serve alongside the poaching liquid and a nice piece of crusty bread.