Indulge in a culinary masterpiece with our exquisite Fillet of Sole Véronique, a classic French dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its delicate flavors. This elegant entrée features tender sole fillets sautéed to perfection, accompanied by a luscious sauce made with white wine, fish stock, cream, and a touch of lemon. The addition of plump grapes and chopped parsley adds a vibrant sweetness and freshness to the dish. Alongside the main recipe, we present variations that cater to diverse preferences, including a gluten-free option and a delightful vegetarian alternative. Experience the timeless charm of this iconic dish, whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking a special occasion meal.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
EASY SOLE MEUNIERE
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Have 2 heat-proof dinner plates ready
- Combine the flour, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a large shallow plate. Pat the sole fillets dry with paper towels and sprinkle one side with salt.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large (12-inch) saute pan over medium heat until it starts to brown. Dredge 2 sole fillets in the seasoned flour on both sides and place them in the hot butter. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for 2 minutes. Turn carefully with a metal spatula and cook for 2 minutes on the other side. While the second side cooks, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to the pan. Carefully put the fish filets on the ovenproof plates and pour the sauce over them. Keep the cooked fillets warm in the oven while you repeat the process with the remaining 2 fillets. When they're done, add the cooked fillets to the plates in the oven. Sprinkle with the parsley, salt, and pepper and serve immediately.
FILLETS OF SOLE VéRONIQUE
This famous French classic has always been a favourite of mine and I love to serve it with the grapes well chilled, which beautifully complements the warm rich sauce. However, if you prefer you could add the grapes to the fish before it goes under the grill.
Categories Easy Entertaining Fish recipes Recipes for 2
Yield Serves 2 as main course or 4 as a starter
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- First peel the grapes well in advance by placing them in a bowl and pouring boiling water over them. Leave them for 45 seconds, then drain off the water and you will find the skins will slip off easily. Cut the grapes in half, remove the seeds, then return them to the bowl and cover and chill in the refrigerator until needed. When you are ready to start cooking the fish, begin by warming the serving dish and have a sheet of foil ready. Then wipe each of the 4 sole fillets and divide each one in half lengthways by cutting along the natural line, so you now have 8 fillets. Season them and roll each one up as tightly as possible, keeping the skinned side on the inside and starting the roll at the narrow end. Next put a faint smear of butter on the base of a medium frying pan and arrange the sole fillets in it. Then sprinkle in the tarragon followed by the vermouth. Now place the pan on a medium heat and bring it up to simmering point. Cover, then put a timer on and poach the fillets for 3-4 minutes, depending on their thickness. While the fish is poaching pre-heat the grill to its highest setting. Meanwhile take a small saucepan, melt the butter in it, stir in the flour to make a smooth paste and let it cook gently, stirring all the time, until it has become a pale straw colour. When the fish is cooked transfer the fillets with a fish slice to the warmed dish, cover with foil and keep warm. Reserve the poaching liquid. Next boil the fish-poaching liquid in its pan until it has reduced to about a third of its original volume. Stir in the cream and let that come up to a gentle simmer, then gradually add this cream and liquid mixture to the flour and butter mixture in the small saucepan, whisking it in well until you have a thin, creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt and freshly milled black pepper. Pour the sauce over the fish and pop it under the pre-heated grill (about 4 inches from the source of the heat) and leave it there for approximately 3 minutes, until it is glazed golden brown on top. Serve each portion on to warmed serving plates, garnished with grapes.
FLOUNDER WITH CHAMPAGNE GRAPES
Steps:
- Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 250°F.
- Rinse fish and pat dry. Season both sides of fillets with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until it begins to smoke, then sauté 2 fillets, turning over once, until golden and just cooked through, about 4 minutes total. Transfer with a slotted spatula to a platter and keep warm, uncovered, in oven. Add more oil if necessary, and sauté remaining 2 fillets in same manner, transferring to platter.
- Add shallot to skillet and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add vermouth and simmer, scraping up any brown bits, 1 minute. Add grapes and cook over low heat, swirling skillet, until just heated through, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat and add butter, swirling until incorporated. Add lemon juice and season sauce with salt and pepper. Spoon sauce with grapes over fish and serve immediately.
Tips:
- To ensure the fish fillets cook evenly, make sure they are all of similar thickness. If they are not, the thinner fillets will overcook before the thicker ones are done.
- Do not crowd the fish fillets in the pan. If there is not enough room, they will steam rather than sauté and will not brown properly.
- Be careful not to overcook the fish. It is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- To make sure the sauce is smooth, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
- Serve the fish immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Conclusion:
This classic French dish is a delicious and elegant way to enjoy fish. The delicate flavor of the sole is complemented perfectly by the rich and creamy sauce, and the grapes and Champagne add a touch of sweetness and acidity. This dish is sure to impress your guests, and it is also surprisingly easy to make. So next time you are looking for a special meal, give this recipe a try.
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