POACHED BARRAMUNDI WITH BECHAMEL SAUCE

Ingredients

For the Poach: 
400g Piece of Barramundi (Skin Off) 
½ Cup of Dry White Wine  
½ Cup of Full Cream Milk (Lactose free is suitable) 
1 Cup of Water 
1 Tsp of Garlic Powder 
½ Tsp of Parsley Leaves Dried 
½ Tsp Coriander Seeds Whole 
2 Slices of Lemon 
Salt and Pepper to taste 

For the Bechamel: 
½ Tsp of Onion Powder 
¼ Tsp of Garlic Powder 
40g Butter 
3 Tbs of Plain white flour 
2 Cups of Full Cream Milk (Lactose Free is suitable) 

Method

Poaching the fish 

1. Gently place fish in a deep-dish pan. 
2. In a bowl or jug combine the wine and milk, add the onion & garlic powders and whisk to combine and remove lumps. 
3. Pour into the pan over the fish to form the poaching bath. 
4. Add coriander seeds, parsley, lemon and water. Increase water if needed to ensure the fish is completely submersed.  
5. Season with salt and pepper, fire up the stove and bring it to the boil.      Note: The milk will curdle – do not worry about this. 
6. Once boiling reduce the heat to a simmer and watch until the fish is white and flaky approx.. 10 - 15 mins. 
7. After 10 mins, touch the fish gently with your finger to see if the flesh will pull away. If it does than it is ready. If it still seems firm keep cooking.  
8. Once cooked, gently fish it out of the poaching liquid (pardon the pun). Hold it up gently with your spatula to drain and then gently place it onto a serving dish. 
9. Allow to cool. 

The Bechamel Sauce 

1. In a heavy pot add the butter and all the dry ingredients and cook on high. Whisk while cooking to combine while the butter melts, do this until you see a deep yellow roux form.  
2. Lower to medium heat and gradually add milk whisking at the same time. Do this bit by bit, allowing the heat to thicken the sauce before adding more liquid. 
3. Once all the milk is combined, it should resemble the consistency of a thickened cream. 
4. Lower the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
5. When the consistency resembles a loose custard, turn off the heat and season it with salt and pepper to taste.

Plating the dish 

1. By now the fish should be cooled. 
2. Gently pull the fish apart with your fingers and spread the contents evenly over your dish. 
3. Pour over the bechamel. 
4. Sprinkle with Parsley and serve with some fresh crusty baguette and a green oakleaf salad.