Pesto-topped Baked Trout Fillets

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €40.83 · €6.81/serving

• 1 plump garlic clove (peeled and minced)Est. price €0.05–€0.15
• 2 cups tightly packed flat-leaf parsley leaves (rinse and dry thoroughly before using)Est. price €1.20–€3.00
• 3/4 cup premium extra-virgin olive oilEst. price €2.50–€5.50
• 3 tablespoons walnuts (lightly toasted for a nutty flavor)Est. price €0.30–€0.70
• 1/4 teaspoon delicate sea saltEst. price €0.01–€0.03
• 4 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juiceEst. price €0.10–€0.25
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, dividedEst. price €0.40–€0.90
• 3 (1-pound) red trout fillets (freshwater trout)Est. price €36.00–€48.00
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juiceEst. price €0.15–€0.35
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea saltEst. price €0.02–€0.05

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by heating a heavy skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toast the chile in the skillet on all sides for about 30 seconds, pressing it flat with tongs until slightly softened. Submerge the toasted chile in hot water and let it soak for 4 minutes before draining off the water.

2. 2

   Start by adding garlic to a food processor while it is running, and process until finely chopped. Next, include parsley, oil, nuts, sea salt, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, and chile (if desired) into the processor and blend until a smooth mixture is achieved. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and combine with lemon juice by stirring well.

3. 3

   Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F and positioning the rack in the middle. Coat the bottom of a spacious shallow baking pan with 1 tablespoon of oil. Arrange the fillets in the pan, skin sides facing down, then drizzle them with lemon juice and the remaining tablespoon of oil. Season them with sea salt, red-pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.

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• Cultural note

  Pesto-topped Baked Trout Fillets combines Italian and Mediterranean influences with the use of olive oil, garlic, and parsley. The dish showcases a balance of flavors and textures, highlighting the freshness of the ingredients. Trout is a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world, prized for its delicate…

• Seasonal note

  Trout is typically in season during the spring and summer months when it spawns, making it an ideal dish for those seasons. Fresh herbs like parsley are also more abundant in the spring and summer.

• Health note

  This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats from the walnuts and olive oil. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. The vitamins A and C from the parsley and lemon juice contribute to immune support and skin health.