| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 40 mins – 1 hour | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 11g | 5g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 50g | 11g |
Why I Love Irish Boiled Ling with Smoked Fennel
As a Tex-Mex enthusiast with a love for exploring vibrant flavors, my palate has led me to venture out into the culinary world beyond the borders of my Southern roots. This time, I take a dive into the rich and diverse cuisine of Ireland. Today, I will be sharing with you a delightful Irish specialty: The Boiled Ling with Smoked Fennel.
The Inspiration Behind The Dish
I was first introduced to this dish during my travels overseas and it left such a lasting impression on me that I simply had to recreate it in my kitchen. Particularly, I was inspired by the dishes I tasted at the hands of renowned Irish chef Rachel Allen, who has undeniaby left a mark on the culinary scene with her simple yet innovative approach to classic Irish dishes.
The Experience
The magic of the Boiled Ling with Smoked Fennel is in the fusion of ingredients. Although the ling fish is commonly found in British waters, the addition of fennel, smoked paprika and a splash of white wine vinegar adds an unexpected and exciting complexity to the dish. When you first take a bite, the tender ling fillet is a gentle welcome. After this introduction, the flavours start to merge and dance together; the smoky fennel seeds, tangy lemon zest, aromatic garlic and the warmth of the paprika, all brought together with the freshness of the dill. The experience is some sort of symphony in your mouth and it’s truly hard to resist going back for more.
Pairing Suggestions
While the Boiled Ling with Smoked Fennel is fulfilling on its own, it would pair wonderfully with other Irish inspired dishes as well. For instance, a serving of traditional Irish soda bread on the side would make a wonderful addition. And if you have a sweet tooth, end your meal with a classic Rhubarb and Custard Cake, another incredible Irish dessert.
In a beautiful way, this recipe mingles the familiar with the extraordinary and reminds me of the endless possibilities in the world of cuisine. So tie up that apron, light up that stove and join me in taking your taste buds on an unforgettable culinary adventure with this Boiled Ling with Smoked Fennel recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs fresh ling fillets
- 6 tablespoons sea salt
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 large bulb of fennel, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup fennel seeds
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Handful of fresh dill, chopped
Method
Step One
Begin with seasoning the ling fillets. In a large bowl, dissolve 4 tablespoons of sea salt in 2 cups of water. Add the ling fillets, cover the bowl, and let them brine for about 30 minutes. After this time, rinse the fillets and pat them dry.
Step Two
In a large pot, combine the remaining 2 cups of water, white wine vinegar, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of sea salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
Step Three
Add the linguini to the pot and allow them to simmer until they are just cooked, this should take about 10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the fillets from the poaching liquid and set them aside.
Step Four
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. Add the thinly sliced fennel and sauté it until it starts browning. Stir in the fennel seeds, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the fennel is tender and golden.
Step Five
De-glaze the pan by adding the dry white wine, make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to release any stuck bits. Once most of the liquid has evaporated, remove the pan from heat.
Step Six
Season the fennel mixture with the remaining sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon zest and juice. Then, gently stir in the boiled ling fillets. Sprinkle the dish with the chopped fresh dill right before serving. Enjoy this Boiled Ling with Smoked Fennel recipe!
