One of the easiest ways to cook any type of fish is to simply simmer it in a flavourful liquid. And if that liquid just happens to taste like a classic cocktail, all the better! This dish tastes like a special occasion, but you can actually put it together in minutes.

Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

4 6 ounce salmon fillets
lots sea salt and freshly ground pepper
2 cups tomato juice
4 fluid ounces your finest vodka
1 tablespoon horseradish
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 lemon, zest and juice
a splash or two olive oil
2 stalks celery, chopped

Procedure

Season the salmon fillets with lots of salt and pepper.

Mix the remaining ingredients in a shallow saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to a gentle simmer and then add the salmon fillets. Cover and poach the salmon in the flavourful liquid until it is just cooked through, 10 minutes or so.

Serve each fillet in a bowl with the broth ladled overtop.

Variation

When you cook, all flavour molecules dissolve in either water, fat or alcohol. In this dish the vodka highlights an additional layer of flavours in the tomato. You may substitute an aromatic gin for another aromatic flavour. Try filling the bowls with a handful of baby spinach before adding the salmon and broth.