There are times when you have a little bit of this and a little bit of that in your larder, and one of our goals of the new year is to clean out some of the little bits of food stored in our freezer. Tonight we found two small filets of salmon and two filets of flounder. However, you could use any fish for this recipe.

We always keep brown rice and try to have a lemon and perhaps a jar of capers on hand. Thus, our menu for dinner tonight was born.

After thawing the fish, I set it aside while preparing accompanying dishes which would take a bit longer. Brown rice is a wonderful resting spot for perfectly cooked and seasoned fish. It’s a healthy, more complex carb and readily absorbs pan juices.

While cooking brown rice (1 c rice to 2 c water…45 minutes simmer), I put some veggies in the oven to steam in a foil pouch, then turned my attention to the fish.

Old Bay and Kinders Buttery Garlic and Herb were sprinkled liberally on both sides of the fish. Both of these blends contain salt so that must be kept in mind when seasoning. No additional salt was added. Olive oil was sprinkled in a skillet to lightly cover the base of the pan. When the pan was hot, the fish was added. It cooked on the first side until lightly brown (about 3 minutes), then I turned it over and cooked the other side. When the fish flaked with a gentle fork, 1 cup of chicken broth was added to the pan, a half jar of capers and the juice of one lemon. Then, I covered the pan with a lid and allowed the fish to poach and absorb the flavors of the pan and broth for about 2 minutes.

After the gentle simmer, the fish was served over the beautiful brown rice with perfect oven steamed vegetables dressing the sides. The pan juices and capers were ladled over the rice and fish.

Note that this recipe doesn’t contain any butter, but it was packed with flavor. Also, chicken broth was used in place of white wine. I would have used a splash of white wine if a bottle were open, but the broth was a perfect simmering liquid for the mixed filets of fish.

The husband loved it. So easy—so healthy—so delicious.

Enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Your Iron Maiden,

Kim Orsini

Black Skillet Cooking