HALIBUT POACHED IN FENNEL BROTH

Halibut Poached in Fennel Broth image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 stalk celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced
3 leeks, halved lengthwise, thoroughly cleaned, and thinly sliced
6 parsley stems
8 whole black peppercorns
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 bay leaves
Salt
1/2 cup white wine
4 small red potatoes, scrubbed and thinly sliced
4 halibut fillets, (about 8 ounces each)

Steps:

In a large, wide saucepan, combine carrots, celery, half the fennel, leeks, parsley stems, peppercorns, fennel seeds, bay leaves, salt, wine, and 4 cups water, and bring to a boil. Lower heat, and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes. Strain, reserving liquid and discarding solids.
Return liquid to pan; simmer for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add potatoes and remaining fennel to the broth. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add halibut fillets, and cover. If liquid does not cover fish, add water until it does. Turn heat down to lowest setting.
Cook until fillets are just opaque, 10 to 15 minutes (start checking after 7 minutes). Be careful not to overcook.
Place a fillet in each of four shallow bowls. Divide vegetables among bowls, top with a little broth, and serve immediately.