Greek Haddock with Orzo Pilaf

This was our first Sunday Dinner during Covid. I made this together with my son Bill using a video conference call to connect our two kitchens during the physical distancing time. March 29, 2020. Adapted from Makegoodfood.ca 

425°F Oven 

• 2 Haddock fillets

• 1 garlic clove

• 1 Shallot

• 1 small cucumber

• 1 lemon

• 1 Handful of oregano

• 1 large zucchini

• 100 g Greek yogurt

• Greek seasoning/salt/pepper

• Olive oil

1. Prepare the ingredients. Measure the Orzo, (about ½ cup for two people). Zest and juice the lemon into two separate small prep bowls. Cut Zucchini into large fries and place on a sheet pan lined with parchment. Grate cucumber and leave to drain in a strainer, (about ½ cup). Mince the shallot and the garlic separately into individual bowls. Chop oregano.

2. Make the Tzatziki. Put half the shallots, garlic and lemon juice in a microwavable bowl. Microwave for about 40 seconds to take the edge off the raw garlic and shallots. Mix in the drained cucumber and the yogurt. Taste and add some Greek seasoning if you like.

3. Cook the Orzo. In a medium pot heat a drizzle of olive oil. Add the rest of the shallots and the orzo. Toast until the shallots have softened, about 1 minute. Add at least double the amount of salted water to cover the orzo. Bring to a boil and cook 6 minutes until tender. Most of the water will evaporate. Set aside and keep warm. At the same time ready the zucchini.

4. Make the zucchini fries. On a lined sheet pan toss the zucchini with olive oil, ½ the lemon zest, minced garlic and sprinkle on Greek seasoning/salt/pepper. Roast about 15 minutes until tender.

5. Cook the Haddock. Heat a cast-iron fry pan to medium high heat. Drizzle in olive oil to cover the pan. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. Season with the Greek seasoning/salt/pepper and drizzle a little olive oil over the fish. Add the fish to the pan and cook about 2 minutes a side until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Plate your dish. Divide the orzo, zucchini and haddock between your plates. Top the haddock with a spoonful of the tzatziki. Serve the remaining tzatziki in a bowl on the side.