Braised Sea Bass With Spinach Recipes

BRAISED BLACK SEA BASS WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR AND TOASTED PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Rinse the fish and pat it dry. With a sharp knife, score the skin 3 or 4 times on each side, cutting 1/4 inch into the flesh.
• Heat the oil in a large flat-bottomed wok or large skillet set over high heat until very hot. Cook the fish, covered, for 3 minutes, until the skin is browned on one side. Carefully turn the fish, replace the cover and brown the other side. Add the garlic, ginger, shallots, jalapeno peppers and red pepper and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes. Add the gin, soy sauce, fish sauce, vinegar and sugar. Cover, reduce the heat to low and cook for 2 minutes. Turn the fish again, pour in the stock, cover and cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes more, until the flesh can easily be separated from the bone. Add the pine nuts, carefully slide the fish onto a platter and pour the pan juices over it. Garnish with the herbs and serve immediately.

PAN SEARED SEABASS WITH WHITE BEAN RAGOUT, BRAISED ESCAROLE AND TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Discard the water from the soaked beans.
• In a large saucepot, render the pancetta. Add the beans and 5 cups of water. Simmer for 45 minutes. Strain the beans, reserve the liquid and discard the pancetta. Set aside.
• In the same pot, heat the olive oil. Saute all the vegetables until the onions are transparent.
• In a small bowl, dilute the tomato paste in the remaining 1/2 cup of water. Add to the vegetables. Add the spinach, the reserved bean liquid and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Add the beans, season with salt and pepper. Reduce by 1/4. Reserve.
• Prepare the Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and toss gently. Reserve.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Brush the fish fillets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place a medium saute pan over high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and saute the fish, skin side down for 2 minutes. Transfer to the oven and bake until done, about 5 to 6 minutes. Do not turn the fish to ensure a crispy skin.
• Prepare the escarole. In a large saute pan, over medium heat, add the olive oil. Saute the escarole until wilted. Season with salt.
• Meanwhile, lay out 4 large soup plates and ladle 6 ounces of the white bean ragout on each plate. Lay 2 spears of escarole cross-wise. With a metal spatula, carefully place a fillet, skin side up, on top of the escarole. Spoon tomato vinaigrette across the fillet. Serve immediately.