Poached Cod & Asparagus

Poached Cod & Asparagus

INGREDIENTS              Makes: 4 servings

• 1 lemon, divided
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon thinly sliced shallot
• 1 bay leaf
• 5 whole black peppercorns
• 1 1/4 pounds cod (see Tip), cut into 4 equal portions
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
• 4 sprigs fresh tarragon
• 1 1/2 bunches asparagus (about 1 1/2 pounds), trimmed
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter (Optional)

1. Juice half the lemon into a small saucepan; reserve the other half. Whisk in wine and cornstarch until combined. Add shallot, bay leaf and peppercorns. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced by about half, 10 to 12 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, sprinkle cod with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Place a tarragon sprig on each portion. Thinly slice the remaining lemon half and lay the slices over the tarragon.
3. Place asparagus in an even layer in a large skillet. Add 1/2 cup water. Place the cod on top of the asparagus. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover and cook until the asparagus is tender and the fish is cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Strain the reduced sauce through a sieve into a bowl. Return it to the pan. Over low heat, swirl butter into the sauce 1 tablespoon at a time until melted. Stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remove from the heat.
5. Serve the fish and asparagus topped with the sauce.