Just One Pan

I feel like my life has turned into a vicious cycle of constantly loading and unloading the dishwasher. I'm glad I have one, don't get me wrong, but I spend so much time rinsing, loading, washing, unloading....and repeating again. I'm amazed at how many dishes, bowls, etc I go through for just one meal. I love any recipe where I can throw everything into one pan without sacrificing taste or quality, because then its one less rinse cycle for me.

Picked up some frozen cod from Trader Joe's (I know, fresh is always better...but this working girl can't be picky), and decided to make a mediterranean veggie broth with fish and some crusty bread. You pretty much throw the fish & goodies into one pan, enjoy a glass of wine, and watch it cook. How great is that? I found a recipe in Sunset magazine with the headline..."One Pan Wonders", so I figured that was something I had to try.

Greek-Style Halibut (or whatever white fish you like)
2 tbsp. olive oil

Halibut fillets (about 4oz each)
Kosher salt

Pepper

1 Fennel bulb

2 Garlic cloves

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (14.5 oz) chickpeas, drained & rinsed

2 tbsp fresh oregano

Heat 1 tbsp oil in pan over med-high heat. Rub halibut w/ salt and pepper and lightly brown fish in pan on one side for 3-4 minutes. Transfer to plate.

Add remaining oil to pan and add fennel. Cook until light golden and tender (about 8 mins), then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, 1/2 cup water, chickpeas, S&P, and oregano. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer & lay halibut, brown side up, in sauce and simmer until fish is cooked through (5-10 minutes). Source: Sunset Magazine

Not only was it an easy clean up, but an easy meal for a weeknight. And the hubby was overly impressed that I could whip up such a fancy dish after working all day. I'll certainly take credit for the tasty meal, but little did he know it was just one pan!


-- the daughter