Fillet of Salmon with Fennel, Tomatoes, and Risotto

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 300°F. Bring 4 cups clam juice to simmer in medium saucepan; cover and keep warm. Melt 1/2 tablespoon butter with 1/2 tablespoon oil in heavy large saucepan over medium high heat. Add white onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in rice. Add 1/4 cup wine; stir until almost all liquid evaporates, about 1 minute. Add 4 cups warm clam juice, 1 cup at a time, cooking until almost all liquid is absorbed between additions and stirring frequently, until rice is tender but still firm to bite and mixture is creamy, about 18 minutes.

   Step 2

   Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper. Add salmon to skillet and cook until brown on both sides but still medium-rare in center, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to baking sheet and place in oven to keep warm. Add red onion and garlic to same skillet and cook until translucent, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup wine. Bring to boil, then add fennel and tomatoes. Cook until fennel is crisp-tender, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup clam juice and spinach. Stir until spinach wilts, about 1 minute. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 3 teaspoons chopped tarragon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

   Step 3

   Stir remaining 2 teaspoons tarragon and cheese into risotto. Season with salt and pepper. Divide risotto and fennel mixture among plates. Place 1 salmon fillet on each plate; sprinkle with chives.