Acqua Pazza - Italian Poached Fish

Step 1

Sauté fennel and onion: Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add fennel and onion, cook 4 minutes until softened but not golden.

Step 2

Garlic and chilli: Add garlic and chilli, cook for 1 minute until garlic is softened.

Step 3

Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes, cook for 4 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce wine: Turn stove up to high, add wine and simmer rapidly for 2 - 3 minutes until reduced by half.

Step 5

Simmer sauce: Add water and salt, and the basil & parsley stems if you kept them. Bring to boil, then lower stove to medium and simmer for 20 - 25 minutes until sauce reduces by about 2/3 (it will thicken from tomatoes breaking down).

Step 6

Cook fish: Sprinkle flesh side of fish with salt, then place on sauce skin side down (it will mostly sit above sauce). Cover with lid (or foil or tray) and cook for 6 minutes or until internal temperature registers 50°C/122°F.

Step 7

Remove fish: Remove lid, transfer fish to plate.

Step 8

Add herbs: Remove basil and parsley stems. Stir basil and parsley into sauce. Taste sauce, add more salt if required.

Step 9

Place 2 crostini in a shallow bowl. Spoon over a bit of the chunky sauce, top with fish. Spoon remaining sauce around.

Step 10

Garnish with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.

Step 11

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (all types).

Step 12

Brush olive oil on bread, sprinkle with a bit of salt. Flip and repeat. Bake 10 minutes, turning halfway, or until fully crispy.

Step 13

Rub bread lightly on one side with cut face of garlic. Use warm or at room temperature.