Rainbow Trout Done Right

It is just before dawn as you load up the car and are on your way. As the sun is beginning to warm the earth you arrive at your destination and get into the water. You pull away from the dock with your son for a day of fishing. For the first little while there appears to be nothing in the lake, not a bite, not even a snag. Then, as if out of nowhere you both have fish on. The fights seem to continue all morning until your limit is reached, You pull the boat up to an island, tie it off and get out. After taking the time to show your son how to properly fillet your catch you get him to chop up the potatoes you brought along. A fire is set, the fish is filleted and the potatoes are cooking, It is time for a shore lunch.

This week is all about trout, inspired by an end of summer fishing trip that is one way that can signify the transition from summer to fall. Shore lunches in essence are simple to put together, require few ingredients and fast. With that come along for a shore lunch inspired meal that can be prepared in the comfort of your backyard.

1) Preheat the barbeque for approximately 10 minutes.

2) Melt the butter in a cast iron pan. A baking sheet can be used as a substitute

3) Chop two potatoes and begin to fry in pan or on baking sheet.

4) After 10 minutes put trout skin side down directly on the grill, sprinkle with seasonings (chilli powder and salt to taste) and close the lid.

5) Come back after 15 minutes and the trout should be flaky and the potatoes fork tender. Add a light dusting of chilli powder, salt and pepper. Serve.

Rainbow trout is one fish that seems to scream summer here in Ontario. There are a large number of rainbow trout farms and the species is in most water systems in the province. While the skin and scales are often used to identify different species of fish the colour pattern can change depending on the location, age and other factors on rainbow trout. One other point of interest is the flesh colour can and does change, primarily dictated by diet, or what the fish has been eating.

One great way to salute summer and flex into fall is with this flavour filled trout and potato dish that can be used for lunch or dinner. The delicate flavours and texture of trout with your favourite chilli powder and a touch of salt combined with the ease of preparation leaves no excuse to pass on this sensational seafood spread.