Turbot with Tomatoes, Walnuts, and Capers Over Couscous

Name: Turbot with Tomatoes, Walnuts, and Capers Over Couscous
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons raw walnut pieces; 1 (6-ounce) turbot fillet (or substitute sole or halibut); Kosher or sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 large 12-Hour Tomatoes (page 2), drained and coarsely chopped; 1 teaspoon capers, drained; 1 teaspoon za’atar; 1/2 cup water; 1/3 cup Israeli couscous; Pinch of saffron threads

December 14, 2011

I got the idea for packing pungent combinations of toppings onto fish before it cooks from Nate Appleman’s gorgeous book, A16: Food + Wine. I like to take it a step further and cook the fish over saffron-infused beads of Israeli couscous. This recipe is a great use for my 12-Hour Tomatoes (page 2), but if you don’t already have some in your refrigerator, you can substitute three or four sun-dried tomato halves packed in oil. Eat this fish with sautéed greens or a salad.

Cooks' Note

Za’atar is a tangy Middle Eastern spice blend that includes sumac and is found in Middle Eastern markets or online at Penzeys.com. If you can’t find it easily, you can use a dried Italian herb mix instead, for a slightly different flavor.

Recipe notes

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Salmon With Sizzled Nut Salsa

A savory-hot salsa made with mixed nuts (like the kind dubbed cocktail nuts meant for snacking) gives roast salmon a kaleidoscope of textures and flavors.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.