Categories
Fish

Crispy Potato Galette with Smoked Fish and Dill Crème

  • 1/2 cup crème fraîche
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, plus more for brushing
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 3 baking potatoes (1 1/2 pounds), peeled
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons melted
  • 1/4 pound thinly sliced smoked salmon
  • 1/4 pound thinly sliced smoked sturgeon
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
  • Freshly snipped chives and caviar, for garnish

In a bowl, stir the crème fraîche with the shallot, dill and the 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk the mixture until thickened, about 30 seconds.

Preheat the oven to 425°. On a box grater, coarsely shred the potatoes. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. In a bowl, combine the potatoes with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and season with salt and pepper.

In a small nonstick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add half of the potatoes and pat them into a disk about 1/2 inch thick. Cook over moderately high heat, turning once, until golden, 3 minutes per side. Transfer the potato galette to a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and potatoes. Bake the galettes for 10 minutes, until cooked through and crisp; transfer to a platter and let stand for 15 minutes.

Spoon the shallot-dill crème onto the galettes and top with the smoked fish. Lightly brush the fish with olive oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chives and caviar. Serve right away.

Categories
Fish

Zucchini & Goat Cheese Frittatas with Smoked Trout

  • eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 ounces of goat cheese (can be pre-seasoned: roasted garlic & herbs) at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan (plus more to top)
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large glove of garlic, minced
  • 2 zucchinis, finely diced
  • 1 small white onion, chopped
  • Fresh ground salt & pepper
  • 4 ounces of wild smoked trout
  1. In a large skillet set to medium high, heat the olive oil. When the pan is hot add the garlic and cook for 1 minute then add the onion, stirring gently until slightly translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the chopped zucchini and cook until slightly browned, stirring occasionally about 5 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350F. In a large mixing bowl beat the eggs vigorously, add the milk and keep mixing. Incorporate the goat cheese & the parmesan cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add the parsley and mix to combine then add the zucchini & onion mixture.
  3. Pour the frittata mixture into a nonstick or greased muffin tray (make sure the muffin tray is a 1/2 cup capacity) Sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes or until the frittata is set and golden.
  4. Place mini frittatas on a serving platter and top with smoked trout & a dollop of goat cheese.
Categories
Fish Soup

Vellutata di Ceci con Calamari

  • 5 to 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving, divided
  • garlic cloves, whole
  • 3 to 4 fresh rosemary sprigs, leaves picked
  • 1 pound (500 grams) tinned chickpeas, drained
  • 10 1/2 ounces (300 grams) cleaned baby calamari or squid
  • salt and pepper
  • slices ciabatta or country bread, grilled or toasted, for serving
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a deep stockpot over a low heat. Gently infuse the oil with two of the garlic cloves and rosemary for a few minutes.
  2. Add the drained chickpeas and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Add water to cover (about 500 milliliters or 2 cups) and bring to a simmer. Since the tinned chickpeas are already cooked, you are really just warming and infusing the soup. As soon as you see the soup simmering, you can remove from heat and blend the soup until creamy and smooth (or leave one quarter of the chickpeas whole if you like a little texture). If it is too thick, add a little hot water. Taste for seasoning.
  4. Cut the calamari into pieces: If they are small, simply cut the tentacles off the body and the body in half lengthways to make 3 pieces. If larger, slice the body into rings.
  5. Heat a wide skillet over high heat, add 3 to 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and when screaming hot, add the calamari, and cook, tossing occasionally. After 1 minute, remove all the calamari pieces except for the tentacles—cook them another minute but not more. Be careful not to crowd the pan, as doing so will cause them to stew rather than sear. You may want to do this in batches based on the size of your pan.
  6. Season with salt and keep the calamari warm on a plate, covered under foil, until all the calamari is ready.
  7. Serve the chickpea soup topped with pieces of calamari, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, plenty of freshly ground black pepper, and warm slices of grilled bread, rubbed lightly with a raw garlic clove.
Categories
Fish

Butter and Cheese Crusted Cod

  • 8 ounces cod or haddock filet
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 85 grams (6 tablespoons) butter
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated parmigiano reggiano
  • 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon parsley
  1. Cut the fish into two pieces and marinate in the lemon juice in a bowl for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven 220c
  3. Melt 2 T (28 grams)butter in a baking dish in the oven. Remove and add the fish, coating it with the butter, and then add in the lemon juice. IMPORTANT-the dish should hold the fish tightly enough that it can be submerged in the sauce.
  4. Add 2 T(28 grams) butter to top the fish and bake for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven; top with herb(s), cayenne, and cheese. Add 2 (28 grams) more of butter and bake an additional 10 minutes. Cheese should be crusted and the liquid simmering.
  6. Remove to plate. Spoon over a bit of the hot liquid. Dust with parsley.
Categories
Fish

Miso and Ginger Poached Salmon with Warm Soba Noodles

  • 350 grams salmon fillet
  • 1/3 cup mild brown miso paste
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 2 to 3 cups water, or enough to cover the fish
  • 50 grams fresh ginger, peeled
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed

Soba noodles

  • 160 grams dried soba
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon pure sesame oil
  • 2 to 3 spring onions, chopped
  • Handful Toasted sesame seeds to garnish
  1. Add and mix all ingredients for the poaching liquid in a pot. Bring it to a boil and turn the heat down to medium. Simmer the liquid for 5 minutes and turn the heat down to very low, as low as you can. Make sure you only see a few gentle bubbles or less and place the salmon (skin-side down if it is on). Add a little more water if the fish is not completely covered. Stay in a very low heat and poach the salmon for 4-5 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, cook dried soba noodles (*I used Chinese noodles) in a boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes. Drain, rinse briefly, and season with soy sauce and sesame oil. (I mixed soy sauce and sesame oil in the colander)
  3. Carefully take out the salmon (do not throw away the broth) and set aside to cool for a few minutes. The fish should be cooked to tender medium, opaque outside and slightly translucent in the middle. If you are using a fillet with skin, gently remove it when the fish is cool enough to handle. It should come off quite easily.
  4. Plate the noodles and fish with chopped spring onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve it with a bowl of miso and ginger broth you cooked salmon in.
Categories
Fish

Salmon Papillotes with Red Peppercorns, Lime and Fresh Ginger

  • fillets of fresh salmon
  • inch of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 3 tablespoons red peppercorns
  • 1 1/2 limes – freshly juiced
  • Sichuan Pepper
  • salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 5 sprigs fresh dill
  • 5 teaspoons thick cream
  • Fleur de Sel
  • 1 tablespoon fresh Chives cut in small pieces
  1. Pre-heat the oven to (175c) 350 degrees F.
  2. Double two sheets of aluminum per filet. Curl the edges creating a shallow box to allow for adding sauce without dripping.
  3. Season the salmon fillets with a pinch of salt and freshly ground Sichuan pepper.
  4. Pour some olive oil in each of the foil boats, place the seasoned salmon filets, one per foil.
  5. Add lime juice and grated ginger and then crush red peppercorns slightly with your hands and sprinkle over each filet. Place a large sprig of dill on top.
  6. Seal the aluminum foil well by crimping and folding the edges and the twisting and curling up the ends.
  7. Place on the oven rack (without a tray) Bake in the oven around 6-8 minutes, depending how thick the fish fillets are.
  8. Discard the dill, serve with 1 teaspoon of thick cream, sprinkle with some chopped chives and a little Fleur de Sel.

Categories
Fish

Skillet Cod with Brown-Butter Tomato Sauce

  • Two 6-oz. skinless cod fillets, preferably “captain’s cut”
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced (¼ cup)
  • 1 medium garlic clove, thinly sliced (1 tsp.)
  • 7 oz. mixed cherry and grape tomatoes, halved (1 cup)
  • 2 Tbsp. dry vermouth
  • 2 tsp. coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley, for serving
  1. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels, then lightly season all over with salt and pepper; set by the stove. Hold a large, heatproof rimmed plate under hot running water to warm, then pat dry and set by the stove.
  2. In a large stainless-steel skillet over medium-high, heat the oil with 1 tablespoon of the butter. When the foam begins to subside, add the fillets and cook without disturbing until the fish is lightly browned and turning white and opaque about ¼ of the way up from the skillet, 1–2 minutes. Using a wide, thin metal spatula, gently flip the fillets, then continue cooking until the other side is lightly browned and turning white and opaque about ¼ of the way up from the skillet, 1–2 minutes more. Carefully transfer to the warm plate, cover tightly with an inverted bowl or aluminum foil, and set aside in a warm place to steam while you make the sauce.
  3. Return the skillet to medium-high heat, add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter, and swirl to melt. Cook, using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the skillet frequently, until the foam completely subsides, the solid milk particles sink to the bottom and turn a deep golden brown, and the butter takes on a toasted fragrance, 2–3 minutes. Add the shallot and cook, stirring and shaking the skillet continuously, until it just begins to soften, about 1 minute. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring gently without crushing them, until they are heated through and beginning to soften and turn jammy, and their juices are silky and slightly thickened, 4–5 minutes. Add the vermouth and continue cooking until the alcohol evaporates, 15–30 seconds more; remove from the heat. Uncover the fish (it should now be cooked through), and if desired, transfer to a large rimmed platter or a shallow bowl. Pour the sauce over the fish, top with parsley, and serve immediately.
Categories
Fish

Salmon Burgers with Pickled Cucumbers

  • 1½pounds boneless, skinless center-cut salmon, patted dry
  • 5scallions, green parts finely chopped, white parts thinly sliced
  • 1 1-inch piece ginger, peeled, finely grated (small amount)
  • 1garlic clove, finely grated
  • 2tablespoons plus ⅔ cup mayonnaise (small amount)
  • Kosher salt

  • 1teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 4teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar, divided
  • 3medium Persian cucumbers, shaved lengthwise
  • ½serrano chile, very thinly sliced crosswise
  • 1teaspoon sugar
  • ¼cup (or more) vegetable oil
  • ½cup rice flour
  • 2cups tender herbs, such as torn mint and/or cilantro leaves with tender stems
  • ¾cup trimmed watercress
  • 2teaspoons toasted white sesame seeds (optional)
  • 4brioche buns, lightly toasted

Cut salmon into 2″ pieces. Transfer one-third of salmon (about 8 oz.) to a food processor and process, scraping down sides, until mixture is very smooth and paste-like. Add remaining salmon and pulse 4–5 times until pieces are no bigger than ¼” (be careful not to make it too smooth). Transfer to a large bowl.

Mix in scallion greens, ginger, garlic, 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise, and 1 tsp. salt; toss to combine. Form mixture into 4 patties about ¾” thick. Transfer to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Chill at least 1 hour or up to 3 (you’ll want to chill the patties so that they hold their shape before getting cooked).

Meanwhile, mix sesame oil, 1 tsp. vinegar, remaining ⅔ cup mayonnaise, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl; set aside until ready to use.

Toss cucumbers with a pinch of salt in another small bowl. Massage with your hands for a few minutes, squeezing lightly to expel water; discard cucumber liquid. Add chile, sugar, and 2 tsp. vinegar to bowl; toss to coat. Chill until ready to assemble burgers.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high until oil begins to shimmer. Remove salmon patties from fridge right before cooking and sprinkle with flour just to coat the outside (you won’t need all of it). The patties will be a little loose but you can always pat them back together with your hands before they hit the pan. Working in batches and adding more oil in between batches if needed, cook patties until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes on each side (you don’t want to overcook).

Toss herbs, watercress, sesame seeds, if using, scallion whites, remaining 1 tsp. vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Build burgers with buns, patties, reserved special sauce, herb mixture, and pickles.

OPTION 2
20 ounces salmon fillet skinless and uncooked

1/2 cup Panko style bread crumbs or regular bread crumbs

2 green onions chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons dijon mustard

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Rough chop 3/4 of the salmon. Process remaining salmon in a food processor or blender until almost paste like.
  2. Add salmon and remaining ingredients to bowl and combine.
  3. Form into 4 patties.
  4. Chill for 15 minutes in refridgerator before cooking.
  5. Heat skillet, grill or air fryer to about 390-400 degrees.
  6. Cook 4 minutes on each side or until completely cooked through and center feels slightly firm. Internal temp should be 145 degrees.
Categories
Fish

Crispy-Skinned Fish with Herb Sauce

  • 2 oil-packed anchovy fillets (optional)
  • 1small garlic clove, thinly sliced
  • 1cup chopped tender herbs (such as parsley, dill, and/or basil)
  • 1Tbsp. chopped pickles (capers, cornichons, or chile)
  • 2Tbsp. fresh lemon or lime juice or white wine vinegar
  • 6Tbsp. (or more) extra-virgin olive oil, dividedKosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 45–6-oz. skin-on black bass, striped bass, snapper, or salmon fillets
  • Flaky sea salt

Using the side of a chef’s knife, mash anchovies (if using) and garlic on a cutting board until a coarse paste forms. Mix in a medium bowl with herbs, pickles, lemon juice, and 5 Tbsp. oil. Season green sauce with kosher salt and pepper.

Swirl remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in a large nonstick skillet to coat. Season fish generously on both sides with salt and lay, skin side down, in cold skillet. Place skillet over medium heat and let it gradually heat up until fat starts to cook out of fish, about 4 minutes. At this point you may press gently on fish so that the skin is flat against the pan. Continue to cook until skin is super-crisp and flesh is mostly opaque (you can increase or decrease heat slightly if needed, but don’t try to rush it), 8–12 minutes longer, depending on the thickness of the fish. Less fatty fish won’t release as much fat on their own, so you may need to add a splash more oil to the skillet if the skin isn’t getting crisp enough. Turn fish and cook just until opaque all the way through, about 1 minute.

Spoon green sauce onto a platter and carefully set fish, skin side up, on top. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Categories
Fish Soup

Brothy Seafood Chowder

  • 1small onion, unpeeled, quartered
  • 2stalks celery, chopped
  • 1leek, dark green parts chopped, rinsed, white parts cut into ¼” rounds, rinsed, reserved for stew
  • 12 c fish stock
  • ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1garlic clove, smashed
  • 6thyme sprigs
  • 2bay leaves (optional)
  • ½cup dry white wine or sake
  • 1lb. small Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered
  • Kosher salt
  • 1fennel bulb, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise, fronds reserved for serving
  • 1 ½lb. boneless, skinless white fish (such as cod), cut into 1″ pieces
  • 2cups Sun Gold tomatoes
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Heat oil in a large pot over medium. Add onion, celery, dark green leek pieces, chile, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally and scraping bottom of pot to make sure nothing is sticking, until onion is golden brown, 4–6 minutes. Add wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about half, about 1 minute.

Add fennel seeds and 12 cups cold water to onion mixture and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, bring to a simmer, and cook, skimming off any foam that rises to the top, until stock is nicely flavored 40–50 minutes. Let cool 30 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into another large pot or bowl; discard solids.

Place potatoes in fish stock in a large pot, season with salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are almost tender, 10–14 minutes. Add sliced fennel and white leek parts and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are barely tender, 4–6 minutes. Add fish and cook, stirring occasionally, until fish is opaque, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in tomatoes; taste and adjust seasoning.

Ladle chowder among bowls and top with fennel fronds. Drizzle with oil; season with pepper.