Crispy Skin Lemon Sole Food

CRISPY SKIN LEMON SOLE

Steps:

• Preheat the grill to high.
• Scoop out the artichokes, halve lengthways and place in a large non-stick ovenproof frying pan on a medium heat with 1 tablespoon of oil from their jar.
• Quarter the courgettes lengthways, cut out the core, slice them at an angle the same size as the artichokes and add to the pan. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring regularly.
• Finely slice the top leafy half of the mint, tossing half into the pan with a splash of water.
• Rub the sole with a little olive oil, sea salt and black pepper, then lay skin side up on the veg.
• Place the pan directly under the grill for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the skin is wonderfully crisp - keep an eye on it!
• Meanwhile, finely slice the chillies, mix as much as you dare with the remaining mint, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, then taste and season to perfection.
• Plate up the veg and sole, pulling back half the crispy skin to expose the fish, then drizzle over the chilli mint dressing.

THE NICEST TRAY-BAKED LEMON SOLE

Steps:

• This is really simple. First of all give your fish a wash, then with a sharp knife score across each fish down to the bone at 2.5cm/1 inch intervals on both sides. This allows flavour to penetrate the fish and lets the fish's juices come out.
• Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6. Get yourself a bowl and add the tomatoes, garlic, oregano or basil, spring onions, balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt and pepper and the zest and juice of 1 lemon to it. Loosen with a couple of good tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and mix well, then spread over the bottom of a large roasting tray. Use one that will fit all 4 fish quite snugly (or you can use two smaller trays). Place the fish on top - top to tail.
• Now add the olives, parsley, juice and zest of the second lemon to the bowl that the tomatoes were in. Loosen with a little olive oil and then divide this mixture between the fish, placing an equal amount on the centre of each. Cook in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. To check whether they're done, take the tip of a knife and push it into the thickest part of the fish. When done, the flesh will easily pull away from the bone.
• Once cooked, remove the fish from the oven and allow them to rest for 3 or 4 minutes while you get your guests round the table, serve them some wine and dress your salad. Then you can come back to the fish. Divide them up at the table on to 4 plates, making sure that everyone gets some tomatoes and juice spooned over the top of the fish. Lovely!

BAKED LEMON SOLE WITH LEMON & CAPER PASTE

Steps:

• First, make the caper paste. Blend the ingredients in a blender or small food processor for 2 mins until you have a smooth-ish purée (if using a food processor, you might need to scrape down the sides once or twice with a spatula). Transfer to a small bowl, cover with cling film and place in the fridge until needed. Can be made 2 days ahead and chilled.
• Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Scatter the lemon zest, lemon thyme and shallots onto a baking tray or ovenproof dish. Sprinkle the fish lightly with salt and put it on top of the shallots, skin-side up. Place pieces of butter on each fish and pour in 200ml water - this will steam the fish and keep it juicy.
• Put the fish and the prepared tray of potatoes (see recipe in Goes well with) in the oven at the same time and bake both for 10 mins, basting the fish halfway through. While the fish cooks, wilt the greens (see recipe in Goes well with) and take the caper paste out of the fridge to come to room temperature.
• Take the fish out of the oven and baste it one last time, then use a cook's blowtorch to char the skin, if you like. Transfer the fish to a serving plate with some of the shallots and lemon zest. Spoon a little of the caper paste over the fish and serve immediately with the new potatoes and wilted spring greens.