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Swordfish with Salmoriglio Sauce

The Strait of Messina is a rich source for swordfish, which the Sicilians prepare in many ways. Here it is at its simplest: grilled and served with salmoriglio sauce. (In Sicilian, it is sammurigghiu sauce.) The words means "brine", a translation that does not convey the taste or texture of this cooked blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and herbs. Serve with bread and pour a white wine, preferably Sicilian. For dessert, offer cannoli from the bakery.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 6

Ingredients

1

/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1

/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2

tablespoons hot water

6

tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

2

large garlic cloves, finely chopped

1

tablespoon dried oregano

6

6-ounce swordfish fillets, each about 1 inch thick

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat) or preheat broiler. Whisk olive oil in top of double boiler over simmering water until heated through. Gradually whisk in fresh lemon juice, then 2 tablespoons hot water. Add chopped fresh parsley, chopped garlic and oregano and cook sauce 5 minutes to blend flavors, whisking frequently. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Remove sauce from over simmering water.

    Step 2

    Lightly brush swordfish on both sides with sauce. Season fish with salt and pepper. Grill or broil until just cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer fish to platter. Spoon remaining sauce over and serve.