Ingredient: Dover Sole
Category: Fish
Season: All
The common sole or Dover sole , Solea solea, is a species of fish in the Soleidae family. It has a preference for relatively shallow water with sand or mud covering the bottom.
It is found in the Eastern Atlantic ocean , from the south of Norway to Senegal, and in almost all of the Mediterranean Sea. In the winter it withdraws to the somewhat warmer waters of the Southern North Sea.
The name "Dover" comes from Dover , the English fishing port landing the most sole in the 19th century.
Chefs prize Dover sole for its mild, buttery sweet flavour and versatility and for its ease of filleting.
The fish yields fillets that hold together well in a variety of recipes
Its flavour is best preserved by serving it simply grilled.
Ask the fishmonger to skin it for you, then brush it with melted butter, and give it from about 4-6 minutes on each side under the hot grill, depending on thickness. (see also Lemon Sole, a less tasty variety)
Serve It with some parsley butterand lemon juice, and if in season new potatoes..
Other species named "Dover sole"
Because of its prestige, the name "Dover sole" , was borrowed to name the eastern Pacific species Microstomus pacificus, a quite distinct species with different culinary properties.
The Pacific sole has thinner, less firm fillets and sells for a higher price.
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