Smoked Char Pasta

While cleaning out my freezer this weekend I came across a smoked char fillet. I thought I'd used up my stash, so this was an unexpected treat! But what to make with it? I do have a lovely smoked char pasta recipe with a cream sauce, but I was looking for something non-dairy. (Of course while I was debating which recipe to make I nibbled a bit on the char - how could I resist? :-)

This recipe was a nice find - quick to make, very flavourful, and simple ingredients. I tweaked the original a bit, but this looks like a recipe that would work well with a variety of substitutions. Give it a try!

Smoked Char Pasta 
adapted from this recipe

225 g whole wheat linguini
1/4 c pine nuts
1 jumbo shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 anchovies, chopped
1/2 c dry white wine (I used vermouth)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest (could use more)
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
huge hunk of smoked char, roughly chopped/shredded

Toast the pine nuts and set aside. While the pasta is cooking, saute the shallots, garlic, and anchovies in some olive oil. Add the white wine/vermouth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let simmer for several minutes, then add the char to allow it to heat up. When the pasta is al dente, reserve a bit of the pasta water and drain the pasta. Add the pasta to the char and  the shallot/garlic sauce, then add in the parsley and pine nuts. Toss all to combine and season with freshly ground black pepper. Serve it up in heated bowls - delish!