| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 22g | 6g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 44g | 0.45g |
Being a Texan with a love for fusion cuisine, I feel exceptionally drawn to the alluring flavors of Baked Halibut with a Pennyroyal Pesto. This recipe is a harmonious blend of robust flavors and nutrient-rich ingredients, meeting in the middle of a delightful culinary road trip from coast to coast.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What makes this baked halibut recipe stand out is how it conjures a bouquet of herbs like pennyroyal and basil and unites them with the full-bodied richness of Parmesan and pine nuts. The result? A pesto as vibrant and green as a summer morning in the Texas hill country. The crisp acidity of lemon juice brings out the halibut’s native flavor and the addition of dill seals the deal with a hint of fragrant surprise.
Health Perks Of This Dish
Not just a culinary treat, this Baked Halibut with a Pennyroyal Pesto drizzles health benefits onto your dining experience. Halibut ranks among the top nutritious seafood options, presenting a protein-rich, low-fat alternative for health-conscious food lovers. Not to forget the humble herbs, pennyroyal and basil boast a slew of redeeming properties, from powerful antioxidants to their roles in combating inflammation. The inclusion of heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil and pine nuts further enhances the recipe’s wellness profile.
Delightful Pairings With Baked Halibut
Open to culinary creativity, this halibut dish could work well with a wide gamut of formulations. A fresh, crisp salad or a light pasta on the side perfectly complements the hearty flavors of the baked halibut. If you’re in the mood for a feast, pairing it with Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Taquitos brings a Tex-Mex twist to your dining experience.
Just as you would pair a fine wine with your food, the Baked Halibut with a Pennyroyal Pesto finds its partner in a glass of crisp white wine. A chilled serving of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio makes an excellent choice, allowing the wine’s minerality to complement the dish’s rich flavors.
Intricately layered yet refreshingly simple, relishing this Baked Halibut with a Pennyroyal Pesto feels like sitting on a sun-drenched porch in Texas while gazing at an Italian sunset. It rekindles my love for food every time, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, between comfort and excitement, and between the many places I call home.
What You’ll Need
- 6 halibut fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 cups of fresh pennyroyal leaves
- 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of dried dill
- 6 slices of lemon, for garnish
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place the halibut fillets in a baking dish and set aside.
Step Two
In a food processor, combine the pennyroyal leaves, basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and dried dill. Process until a rough paste forms. This is your pennyroyal pesto.
Step Three
Spread the pesto evenly over the halibut fillets. Make sure each fillet is coated well to infuse the flavors into the fish.
Step Four
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish is flaky and cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
Step Five
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Garnish each fillet with a slice of lemon before serving. Your Baked Halibut with Pennyroyal Pesto is now ready to enjoy!
Note: Be sure to adjust seasoning to taste, and if you cannot find fresh pennyroyal, mint makes a good substitute.
