Portuguese Pan-Seared Branzino with Chickpea & Kale Sofrito
Prep 20 min · Cook 25 min · Serves 4 · medium

Delicate white fish with crispy skin served over a rustic Portuguese chickpea and kale sofrito, finished with smoked paprika oil and fresh lemon. A lighter yet satisfying Mediterranean dinner celebrating Portugal's coastal traditions.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) branzino fillets, skin-on, room temperature before cooking
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz kale, chopped, ribs removed
- 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, no sugar added
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp cumin
- 0.75 tsp sea salt, divided
- 0.5 tsp black pepper, divided
- 2 whole lemon, 1 for zest, 1 for juice
- 0.75 cup vegetable broth, low-sodium
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 4 minutes until softened.
- 2
Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika and cumin, bloom for 30 seconds.


