Caraway seeds have too long been relegated to the tops of rye bread; their bitter, nutty flavor is distinctive and easy to like.Here they dominate a simple Romanian sauce used for fish. To crush the seeds, put them in a plastic bag and press on it with the bottom of a pot—really lean into it, rock back and forth a bit, and you’ll get it. If you can lay your hands on crusty rye or pumpernickel bread, this is the place for it. Salad or any simple vegetable dish, along with rice if you don’t have or want bread, would also be good.
Ingredients
makes 4 servings
Step 1
Heat the oil in a large deep skillet with a lid over medium heat, then add the onion, half the caraway seeds, and the chives. Cook until the onion softens, about 5 minutes, then add the stock and the other liquids; raise the heat to high and reduce by about half; this will take just a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2
Sprinkle the fillets with salt and pepper and the remaining caraway seeds. Lay the fillets in the liquid, cover, turn the heat to medium, and poach until the fillets are white and opaque throughout, about 5 minutes (the fish is done when it offers little resistance to a thin-bladed knife). Garnish with chives and serve immediately.
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