Grilled Branzino with Anchovy and Rosemary Pesto

Ingredients

PESTO
6 fillets, salt-cured anchovies in oil
1/4 cup rosemary leaves
1/2 cup parsley
1/2 cup mint
1/4 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup Pecorino cheese
2 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 lemon, zested
1 pinch sea salt
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

GRILLED BRANZINO
2 fillets branzino
Olive oil
Sea salt and pepper
1 lemon, zested
4 sprigs rosemary, chopped coarsely

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Lemon zest, for serving

Preparation

For the Pesto:

In a food processor, combine all of the ingredients except for the olive oil. Pulse until coarsely chopped. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil. Taste with a spoon and season with more salt if needed. Several of the ingredients are salty, such as the anchovies and Pecorino, so it’s best to taste first before seasoning.

For the Grilled Branzino:

Preheat a grill or grill pan. Season the branzino with the olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon zest and rosemary. Grill skin-side down until cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes per fillet, depending upon size.

To Serve:

Plate the grilled branzino fillets and top each one with a dollop of pesto. Finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and freshly grated lemon zest. Serve immediately.