A traditional Spanish romesco sauce calls for almonds, but in this recipe hazelnuts spruce up simple halibut fillets. The sauce freezes well and also partners with chicken, steak, or pasta. For a more budget-friendly dish, substitute tilapia. You can also swap roasted red peppers for the piquillos and use whatever nuts you happen to have in the pantry.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the broiler. Place the tomato on a rimmed baking sheet and broil until the skin is blistered and slipping off, turning once with tongs, about 3 minutes. When cool enough to handle, peel the tomato, then cut in half and squeeze out the seeds.
Step 2
Chop the nuts in a food processor; add the tomato, chiles, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the garlic, paprika, vinegar, salt, and cayenne, then purée. Transfer the romesco sauce to a bowl.
Step 3
Melt the butter with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halibut and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side (fish will not be cooked through). Transfer the halibut to a plate.
Step 4
Add the broth to the same skillet and bring to a boil; stir in the romesco sauce. Add the halibut. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the halibut is opaque in center, about 2 minutes. Transfer the halibut to plates. Place the steamed potatoes alongside and spoon romesco sauce over. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired, and serve.
COOK’S NOTE
Step 5
The SMOKED PAPRIKA is sometimes labeled pimentón dulce or pimentón de la vera dulce. It is available at some supermarkets and at specialty food stores.
DO AHEAD
Step 6
The ROMESCO SAUCE can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.
