Dover Sole Meunière

Introduction

Dover Sole Meunière is a classic French dish with a mild-flavoured fish fillet, butter, lemon juice, white wine, and fresh herbs. This dish is easy to prepare and can be served as a main course or light meal. It is a great way to impress your guests with a classic French dish that is both delicious and simple to make. 

Ease of Preparation

Dover Sole Meunière is a relatively simple dish to prepare. The fish fillets are lightly dusted in flour and then sautéed in butter, olive oil, and white wine. The lemon juice and herbs are added at the end to give the dish a bright and flavorful finish. The entire dish can be prepared in about 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick and delicious meal. 

Nutritional Information

Dover Sole Meunière is a healthy and nutritious meal. Each dish serving contains approximately 300 calories, 7 grams of fat, 21 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fibre. Dover Sole Meunière is a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and Iron. 

Ingredients

-4 Dover sole fillets

-4 tablespoons butter

-4 tablespoons dry white wine

-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

-2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon

-1/4 teaspoon salt

-1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

-1/4 cup all-purpose flour

-2 tablespoons olive oil

-1/4 cup capers, drained

-1/4 cup diced shallots

-1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Preparation Method

Begin by preparing the ingredients. Rinse the Dover sole fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place the flour in a shallow dish and season it with salt and pepper. Dredge the fillets in the flour, shaking off any excess. Heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the Dover sole fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside. 

Add the white wine, lemon juice, capers, shallots, and chives to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return the Dover sole fillets to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the fish is cooked through. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley and tarragon, and serve immediately. 

Cooking Tips

When cooking Dover Sole Meunière, it is vital to use a skillet that is large enough to accommodate all of the ingredients. If the skillet is too small, the fish may overcook, and the sauce may not thicken properly. Additionally, it is essential to use a light-flavoured white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, as the flavour of the wine will be more pronounced in the finished dish. 

Flavour/Taste

Dover Sole Meunière has a delicate yet flavorful taste. The butter and olive oil gives the dish a rich and creamy texture, while the white wine, lemon juice, and herbs add a bright and tangy flavour. The capers and shallots add a hint of salty, briny flavour, while the chives provide a mild onion flavour. 

Best Dishes Paired With

Dover Sole Meunière pairs well with a variety of side dishes. It can be served with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Additionally, the dish can be served with boiled potatoes or steamed rice. 

Origin of Dish and History

Dover Sole Meunière is a classic French dish that originated in the 19th century. The dish is named after the French term for “miller’s wife” and was traditionally made with sole, a flatfish found in the English Channel. The dish quickly became popular in France and eventually spread to other parts of the world. 

Popular Alternatives

If Dover Sole is not available, other types of fish can be used in this dish. Halibut, cod, or tilapia are all good substitutes. Additionally, the dish can be made without white wine or with a different type of white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Riesling.