Splake is a hybrid species of brook trout crossed with lake trout; it has a mild, slightly buttery flavour. As a cold-water fish in the trout family, it also contains some of the same heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Pair it with this highly flavourful beet sauce and tender-crisp carrots and you have a dish with a fetching presentation worthy of even the fanciest restaurants.
Other fish to try
Outside of Ontario, splake can be hard to come by, so consider fillets of arctic char, rainbow trout, steelhead, or wild salmon as great substitutes.
Tip
Extra pesto can be stirred into pasta. It also makes for a standout sandwich spread.
Beet Pesto Splake
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb (350 g) red beets (about 3 medium sized)
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh dill
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) prepared horseradish
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
- 3 Tbsp (45 mL) extra-virgin olive oil or camelina oil
- 1 1/2 lbs (750 g) splake fillets (or see ìOther fish to tryî)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb (450 g) bag baby carrots
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) unblanched sliced almonds, toasted
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories460
- protein38g
- fat25g
- saturated fat5g
- trans fat0g
- carbohydrates21g
- sugars12g
- fibre6g
- sodium371mg
Directions
01
Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Toss beets with 1 tsp (5 mL) oil. Place on sheet of parchment paper and wrap tightly to seal. Place on baking sheet. Place in oven and heat until beets are tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from sheet and set aside until cool enough to handle. Peel, then chop into 1/2 in (1.25 cm) pieces.
02
Blend cooked beets in food processor container with dill, horseradish, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Wipe down sides of container and then, with machine running, pour 3 Tbsp (45 mL) oil in through feed tube until incorporated. Set aside.
03
Line baking sheet with parchment paper large enough to hold fish and carrots in a single layer. Toss carrots with 2 tsp (10 mL) oil and place on sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until they begin to colour and are starting to slightly golden. Remove from oven and slide carrots to the side using a spatula. Place fish on pan. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
04
Return pan to oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until fish is just cooked through in the centre and carrots are tender.
05
Place fish and carrots on serving platter and scatter with beet pesto and almonds.
Matthew Kadey, MSc, RD, is a dietitian, nutrition writer, and recipe developer. He is also the author of Rocket Fuel (VeloPress, 2016) and Muffin Tin Chef (Ulysses Press, 2012).
