Sofrito Marinated Baked Halibut Fillets

Answer 1

Sofrito is common to many Latin American countries, and it is used as a base for a variety of different dishes. While it might sound exotic, sofrito is basically just a garlic-pepper sauce, but one that might be a bit more intense than you're used to. When used to marinate halibut fillets, the rich, bold flavor works perfectly to complement the lean, healthy fish. Sofrito marinated baked halibut is an easy dish to prepare, but it does take some time to make marinade, and you'll have to let the fish absorb the flavor, so start early or start the marinade a day before you want to serve the fish.

Ingredients and Tools:

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Large saucepan
• 1 white onion, roughly chopped
• 1 yellow onion, roughly chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, ribbed, seeded and roughly chopped
• 8 cloves garlic, crushed and roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon dried cumin
• 1/2 cup chopped ripe tomatoes
• 2 bunches cilantro leaves, chopped
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Blender or food processor
• Large food storage container
• Spoon
• 2 baking dish, one for marinating, one for cooking
• 4 halibut fillets
• Fork

Making Sofrito:Step 1:

Heat the vegetable oil over high heat on the stovetop in a large saucepan. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 2:

Add the bell pepper, garlic and dried spices to the saucepan. Cook the mixture for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring it regularly.

Step 3:

Add the tomatoes, cilantro, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the mixture for 5 to 6 minutes over medium heat.

Step 4:

Transfer the contents of the saucepan to a blender or food processor and puree the mixture until it has the consistency of chunky salsa.

Step 5:

Transfer the sofrito to a clean storage container and place it in the refrigerator for 90 minutes before using it.

Marinating the HalibutStep 1:

Spoon the sofrito in a shallow layer on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the halibut fillets on top of the layer of sofrito.

Step 2:

Spoon enough of the remaining sofrito over the halibut fillets to fully cover them. Cover the container or baking dish and allow the halibut to marinate in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours.

Baking the HalibutStep 1:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, lightly grease a baking dish with vegetable oil on the bottom.

Step 2:

Push the excess sofrito off the top of the halibut fillets and place them in the baking dish, leaving about one-inch of space between each fillet.

Step 3:

Bake the halibut fillets in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the fish is opaque flakes when prodded with the tines of a fork. Serve the fish immediately while it is hot.