Almond Crusted Sea Bass Food

ALMOND-CRUSTED FISH WITH SAFFRON SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Season the fish and spread a little butter over the flesh side of each. Put in a shallow, buttered, ovenproof dish and sprinkle with the flaked almonds, lightly pressing them on. Bake for 12-15 mins until the flesh flakes easily.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce. Gently fry the shallot with a small knob of butter in a small pan. Add the stock and saffron, bring to the boil, then boil until reduced by about two-thirds. Stir in the crème fraîche and bubble for a minute or so until slightly thickened. Pour a little sauce around each portion of fish. Lovely served with tiny, buttered new potatoes and green beans, or a fresh green salad.

PAN ROASTED BLACK SEA BASS WITH CAULIFLOWER-ALMOND SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Season bass on both sides with salt and pepper, to taste. Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Sear the fish, skin down, until golden brown. Turn over and place the pan in the oven and cook for 4 to 5 minutes for medium doneness.
• Ladle Cauliflower Sauce into the bottom of 2 shallow wide bowls. Place a bass fillet on top of the sauce, then ladle more of the sauce over. Sprinkle with chives.
• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add cauliflower and cook for 5 minutes (do not let onions, garlic, or cauliflower obtain any color). Add wine and cook until reduced by half. Add fish stock and just enough water to cover the cauliflower and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook until the cauliflower is completely cooked through and soft.
• Transfer the mixture to a food processor add almonds, and process until smooth. Strain the mixture into a medium saucepan and place on the stove over medium heat. Whisk in the cream and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in the butter and cook until melted. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.