What to pair with halibut?

[redredwine]

So, I'm cooking dinner for a boy I'm dating. It's the first time I'm cooking for him (and at his place...yikes!)

I'm making a super easy but amazing phyllo wrapped halibut with leeks. I'll probably do a salad (what kind?) and maybe a side? I'm thinking maybe asapargus risotto but not sure I can pull it off....any other suggestions? We both love food, and love veggies, etc.

Thanks!

[redheadbaker]

I'd pick something you've made before - cooking under pressure like that is not the best time to try out a recipe you've never made before.

[redredwine]

Good point.

I'm good with the halibut, I've made it before. But anything suggestions? I just can't think of even something general to pair with it. I'm not a potato person, plain rice sounds boring...
Or should I just do the halibut and a salad? Maybe just asparagus, halibut & a salad?

[redheadbaker]

Maybe get a box of "plain" couscous (I love Trader Joe's whole wheat cous cous) and cook it in chicken broth instead of water? Simple, but different.

[ebeth]

I think asparagus is a good choice since it's in season now (and prob not for much longer).

If you want something fancier or more starchy you could also do a pilaf type thing. saute some orzo in olive oil/butter until just browned, then add water/stock/broth. throw in some almonds, frozen peas, whatever you like. super easy but it seems to impress people I when I make it.

[moreace01]

I was going to second the asparagus (steamed or roasted) and a pilaf. Could do a regular rice one or the orzo one mentioned above.

Risotto isn't really that difficult to make, but can be time consuming since you have to pay attention.

But yeah I'd try and keep it simple if you don't know what kind of cooking utensils, etc he has.

[FrozenSunshine]

Can you share the halibut recipe?

[6fsn]

If you do the salad I'd definitely do something starchy. My first thought was coucous- no muss, no fuss.