1/2cuptrimmings from above vegetables:asparagus ends and peelings, ramp or leak tops, zucchini trim, trimmings from pea or fava pods
1/2cupwhite wineGrgich Hills Estate Chardonnay
2cupwater
waltto taste
Halibut and Finishing
3Tblcanola oil
4eachAlaskan Halibut,5 (6 oz.) portions
sea salt/ kosher saltto taste
4pinchesmicro basil leaves
1/4cuppea shoots
2Tblextra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Wash all vegetables and greens thoroughly. Trim wild leeks (aka ramps) using only the white parts and cut into thin slivers. Prepare other vegetables as listed above.
Broth
In a small pot, warm olive oil with basil over medium heat.
Add vegetable trimmings, cover with lid and cook until vegetables start to soften (3-4 minutes).
Add white wine and simmer until wine reduces by half. Add water, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 - 15 minutes, creating a flavorful cooking broth.
Strain stock, squeezing out juices from the vegetables. Season with salt and reserve to the side.
Vegetables
Heat large sauté pan over medium heat. Add 2 Tbs olive oil and slowly sauté the wild leeks for 2 minutes until slightly translucent.
Add the asparagus, peas, fava beans, zucchini and fiddlehead ferns. Sauté until vegetables just begin to become tender, seasoning lightly with salt.
Add the vegetables broth, bring to a simmer. Add chopped basil and stir together to combine. Set aside.
Halibut
As the vegetables begin to cook, heat a medium sauté pan or cast-iron skillet with 3 Tbs of canola oil over medium-high heat. Lightly season halibut with salt. When oil is hot, carefully sear the halibut, about 3-4 minutes until crusted and golden brown.
Gently flip fillet over and continue cooking an additional 3-4 minutes depending on thickness, until halibut is cooked through (the flesh does not resist when gently touched and begins to flake apart easily).
Assembly
Spoon the vegetables and broth onto 4 warm plates or shallow bowls.
Place halibut fillets on top of vegetables.
Garnish with micro basil and pea shoots.
Finish with a thread of flavorful extra virgin olive oil and serve immediately.