Recipe: Poached sole with basil-garlic oil and Champagne vinaigrette

Total time: 45 minutes, plus chilling time, if desired

Servings: 4

Note: An assortment of colorful steamed vegetables and flavored rice would go well with this delicate fish, which may be served either warm or chilled. The basil-garlic oil will stay fresh, covered in the refrigerator, for a week.

Basil-garlic oil

1/2 cup canola oil

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, cut in half

2 cups packed basil leaves

1 teaspoon salt

1. Place the canola oil, olive oil and garlic in a small skillet and gently heat on low for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the garlic infuse the oil for 15 minutes for a subtle garlic flavor, longer for a stronger flavor. Remove and discard the garlic.

2. Bring a medium-sized saucepan of water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice and water. Blanch the basil leaves in the boiling water for 30 seconds, then drain and place in the ice water. Drain again and lay between sheets of paper towels; squeeze out as much of the liquid as possible. Place in a blender, along with the garlic-infused oil and salt. Purée until smooth.

3. Strain the oil through a fine-mesh strainer into a covered container. Refrigerate until ready to use. Gently shake the container before each use.

Champagne vinaigrette

1 tablespoon Champagne

vinegar

Dash of salt

Dash of freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons extra-virgin

olive oil

1. Whisk the vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add the olive oil, whisking to emulsify.

Poaching and assembly

2 cups dry white wine

2 cups chicken broth

1 lemon, cut into thin slices

1 garlic clove, sliced

10 parsley sprigs

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons black

peppercorns

4 large filets (2 pounds)

petrale sole

1/4 cup basil-garlic oil, or

to taste

Champagne vinaigrette

1/4 cup fresh chervil leaves

1. Combine the white wine, chicken broth, lemon, garlic, parsley, salt and peppercorns in a fish poacher or large roasting pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Rinse the fish filets, place them in the hot liquid and poach for 5 minutes. Carefully lift them out with a spatula and place them on a platter. If serving chilled, cover and refrigerate.

2. Drizzle the basil-garlic oil on and around the fish. Drizzle the champagne vinaigrette over the basil oil. Garnish with chervil leaves.

Each of four servings: 396 calories; 38 grams protein; 0 carbohydrates; 0 fiber; 26 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 106 mg. cholesterol; 491 mg. sodium.