Famous Trout

The cold streams of the Pyrenees are renowned for the wonderful quality of the freshwater fish they produce.  For this reason, one can find the designation Truite de Banca in markets and on menus throughout the  the Southwest of Franc. The Branca trout are raised in stream-fed ponds in the mountain pass above Saint-Jean Pied de Port.

I purchased  a couple small ones from the local fish monger in Orthez.  These are cooked “a la meuniere”, meaning simply dredged in flour and pan fried.  Add sliced almond toasted in brown butter with a bit of lemon juice and you have a classic bistro dish, Tuites aux Amandes.  When the fish is good, I say keep it simple.