Baked Halibut With Fennel Cucumber Raita Recipes

ROASTED HALIBUT WITH SAFFRON-FENNEL BUTTER

Steps:

• Combine 1 tablespoon butter and the saffron in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave until the butter melts, about 1 minute. Let cool 5 minutes. Place the remaining butter and the fennel seeds in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Add the melted saffron butter, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and continue pulsing until the butter is bright yellow. Transfer to a piece of plastic wrap and form into a 4-inch log; freeze until firm, about 20 minutes. (The saffron butter will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.)
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Toss the sliced fennel, garlic, the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons water in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons water and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cover with foil and bake until the fennel is tender, about 20 minutes.
• Toss the tomatoes with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Scatter the tomatoes over the fennel. Set the halibut on top of the vegetables; drizzle with the juice of the remaining 1/2 lemon and season with salt and pepper.
• Bake, uncovered, until the halibut is firm and no longer translucent, about 12 minutes; remove from the oven and top each piece with a thin slice of saffron butter. Return the halibut to the oven and bake until the butter just begins to melt, about 2 more minutes. Serve with fennel fronds.

BAKED HALIBUT WITH FENNEL & CUCUMBER RAITA

Steps:

• 1. To prepare raita, mix together the sour cream, cucumber, fennel, mint, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• 2. To prepare fish, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375.
• 3. Place the sliced fennel in a 10-12" cast iron skillet. Lay the halibut fillets on top of the fennel and drizzle with the olive oil. Scatter the lemon slices, thyme and sea salt over top. Cover with foil and bake until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, 15-20 minutes. Serve with Cucumber-Fennel Raita, green salad and crusty bread.