Alaskan Halibut with Barigoule Vegetables

A.R. Valentien Executive Chef Jeff Jackson says that, at this point in his career, it’s all about passing on knowledge. His Alaskan Halibut with Barigoule Vegetables is rich and flavorful, yet light and easy to make and perfect for any occasion year-round.

Alaskan Halibut with Barigoule Vegetables
Serves 2

Barigoule Sachet
1 bay leaf
15 basil leaves
1 sprig thyme
10 peppercorns
1 8-inch-square cheesecloth
4 inches butcher string

Place herbs and peppercorns in the center of the cheesecloth. Bring the corners together and tie off with butcher string.

Barigoule Vegetables
1 small leek, white part only
1 shallot
1 celery rib
3 pearl onions
4 baby carrots
4 baby parsnips
2 baby fennel
2/3 c. olive oil
1 1/4 cups white wine
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
8 baby artichokes
Salt to taste

Wash and slice leek, shallot and celery into 1/8-inch pieces. Peel the pearl onions. Trim tops off of and scrub carrots and parsnips.

In a nonreactive pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add all the vegetables except artichokes and cook 10 minutes. Add wine and reduce by half. Add chicken stock, artichokes and sachet. Season with salt, cover pot and reduce heat to low. Once artichokes are tender, remove the pot from heat. When the artichokes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half and return to the broth. Remove and discard the sachet.

Halibut Fillets
2 (6 ounce) Alaskan halibut fillets
Salt and white pepper to taste
2 ounces grape-seed oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Season fillets with salt and white pepper. Place a 10-inch frying pan over high heat and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the fillets and sear until brown on both sides.

Transfer the fillets and vegetables to a baking dish and place in the oven. Cook for 4 minutes and baste with the barigoule broth. Cook 5 minutes more or until cooked through.

San Diego Chef’s Table by Maria Desiderata Montana, photography by John Dole (Lyons Press, 2013)

Jeff Jackson, Executive Chef
A.R. Valentien
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
11480 N. Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-777-6635
arvalentien.com