Citrus Sensation!

Seared Halibut with Orange Salsa

serves 4

For the salsa:

3/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 medium oranges)

3 small clementines, cut into segments, segments cut in half

2 Tbs. minced red onion

1 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro

1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

1 Tbs. finely grated orange zest (from 1 medium orange)

salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the halibut:

1 tsp. finely grated orange zest (from 1 small orange)

1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 6-oz. skinless halibut fillets

3 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F.

For the Salsa: In a small saucepan, boil the orange juice over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.In a medium bowl, combine the reduced orange juice, orange segments, onion, cilantro, olive oil, and orange zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

For the haddock: In a small bowl, mix the orange zest, thyme, 1-1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Rub the mixture all over the halibut fillets. Heat the oil in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering hot, arrange the fillets in the pan. Sear for about 2 minutes without moving; then use a thin slotted metal spatula to lift a piece of fish and check the color. When the fillets are nicely browned, flip them and put the pan in the oven. Roast until the halibut is just cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the halibut to serving plates. Spoon some of the salsa over each fillet.

*This dish is amazing served over mashed potatoes!