Ingredients
Fish:
- 1 pound leeks, white and light green parts (about 4 large leeks)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme leaves
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon brandy or Calvados
- 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 whole book-boned arctic char (about 4 pounds),* head and tail removed, if desired
- Olive oil, for brushing
Sauce:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup prepared horseradish, drained
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Notes
A book-boned fish is boneless but attached along the top, so that it opens up like a book. Ask your fishmonger to do it for you.
1. To prepare the fish: Halve the leeks lengthwise, then slice crosswise and transfer to a large bowl of water. Swish leeks to release any grit; lift from the water. Drain.
2. Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add leeks and thyme, and cook, stirring, until wilted and liquid reduces, 6 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, to taste. Add cider, bring to a boil, and cook until almost dry, 4 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, boil until thick and it coats the leeks. Add brandy, cook down slightly. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
3. Open fish and season well with salt and pepper. Spread leek mixture along flesh and close fish. Tie closed with kitchen twine (or cooked leek greens) at 4-inch intervals. Brush oil all over skin, season with salt and pepper.
4. Preheat the broiler to high (with convection broiler if you have it). Line a pan with foil and lightly brush with oil. Place the prepared pan in broiler and heat for 5-10 minutes.
Carefully lay the fish on the preheated pan. Broil fish until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 130 to 135 degrees F, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and rest fish for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
5. Stir all sauce ingredients together. Transfer fish to a serving platter, remove strings. Serve with sauce on the side.
Notes
For a special presentation, wrap the fish with ties of cooked leek greens instead of string.
Nutrition Info (per serving):
Calories: 687
Total Fat: 35 grams
Saturated Fat: 19 grams
Total Carbohydrate: 17 grams
Protein: 56 grams
Sodium: 433 milligrams
Cholesterol: 125 milligrams
Fiber: 2 grams
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