Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　30 min

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

　　1 shallot, finely chopped

　　2 tablespoons unsalted butter

　　1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

　　1 teaspoon curry powder (preferably Madras)

　　3/4 cup heavy cream

　　3/4 teaspoon salt

　　4 (6- to 7-oz) pieces black sea bass fillet, skinned

　　1/8 teaspoon black pepper

　　Accompaniment: fresh lime wedges

　　

Step 1

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450°F. Butter a 3-quart shallow baking dish.

　　

Step 2

Cook shallot in butter in a small heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and curry powder and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add cream and bring to a boil, whisking constantly, then remove from heat and whisk in 1/4 teaspoon salt.

　　

Step 3

Fold each piece of fish in half, skinned side in, and arrange pieces in 1 layer in baking dish. Sprinkle fish with pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pour sauce over fish and bake until fish is just cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.