Halibut with Cherry Tomato–Habanero Salsa and Cucumber-Cilantro Sauce

Serves 4

Halibut is my favorite white fish: It is simple to prepare and the perfect canvas for vibrant flavors. The habaneros, used here in moderation, add just enough heat to make this interesting. The cucumber-cilantro sauce adds a fresh finish to this colorful dish.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 to 2 habanero chiles, to taste, halved, seeded, and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• kosher salt
• four 6-ounce skinless halibut fillets
• cucumber-cilantro sauce (recipe follows)

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, chiles, and mint. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss gently to combine.

Lightly season the fillets on both sides with salt. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Place the halibut fillets in the hot pan. Brown for about 2 minutes on each side, then transfer to the oven and bake until opaque throughout, 8 to 10 minutes.

Put the halibut fillets on plates and top with a scoop of the tomato salsa. Spoon some of the cucumber-cilantro sauce around the fish. Serve the remaining sauce on the side.

• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 cup diced, peeled cucumber
• 1⁄2 cup lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt

Purée the cilantro, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a food processor or blender until almost smooth with just a bit of texture. Cover and refrigerate until serving, or for up to 2 days.

happy cooking!

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