Mackerel Escabèche with Asparagus and Artichoke Hearts

• FAST
• HEALTHY
• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2. Four 1/2-pound Spanish mackerel fillets with skin, each cut in half crosswise
3. Salt and freshly ground pepper
4. 8 thick asparagus spears
5. One 6.5-ounce jar of marinated artichoke hearts, drained
6. 4 large garlic cloves, unpeeled
7. 2 bay leaves
8. 1/4 teaspoon Pimentón de la Vera (smoked Spanish paprika)
9. 1/2 cup sherry vinegar

1. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil until shimmering. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper, add them to the skillet and cook over moderately high heat, turning once, until browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer the fillets to a deep platter or shallow baking dish and discard the oil in the skillet.
2. Add the remaining 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet and heat until shimmering. Add the asparagus, artichoke hearts, garlic, bay leaves and pimentón and cook over moderate heat until the vegetables are lightly browned and the asparagus are just tender, about 6 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the vinegar and pour over the fish. Let cool slightly, then serve.