Herb Salsa Food

BASIC HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Combine parsley, zest, salt and olive oil in a medium mixing bowl. Use a rasp grater to finely grate garlic into the bowl. Stir to combine.
• Just before serving, stir in vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and acid as needed. (Acid will dull the vibrant flavor and color of the herbs over time, so if you plan to store some of the sauce for future use, add acid to only the portion you're using. Sauce, without vinegar, will keep in the refrigerator up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before using.)

PAN-SEARED BRANZINO WITH HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Mince the anchovies, capers, garlic and red pepper flakes together on a cutting board, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and mash into a paste using the flat side of a chef's knife. Transfer to a food processor along with the parsley, mint and marjoram. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil and process until smooth; transfer to a medium bowl.
• Toast the fennel seeds in a skillet over medium heat, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and crush with the bottom of a small skillet. Combine with 1/4 cup of the herb mixture and the herbes de Provence in a small bowl. Put the fish fillets in a shallow dish and brush with the fennel seed-herb mixture. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 4 hours.
• Meanwhile, add the lemon juice, bell pepper and cucumbers to the remaining herb mixture. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Heat 2 large nonstick skillets over medium-high heat. Brush the excess marinade off the fish. Working in batches, add the fish to the skillets, skin-side up, and cook until browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip the fillets, pressing with a spatula to sear the skin, and cook 2 more minutes. Serve with the herb salsa and lemon wedges.

GREEN HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Using a chef's knife (or food processor) finely chop almonds, garlic, and herbs. Stir (or blend) in oil and red-pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. (To store, refrigerate, up to 1 day.) Stir in vinegar just before serving.

FRESH HERB SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine herbs, garlic, and vinegar; if desired, add capers and anchovy fillets. Pulse until coarsely chopped, 20 seconds. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

BABY POTATOES IN SEA SALT WITH HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Put the potatoes in a frying pan wide and deep enough so that they sit in an even layer (don't cut the baby potatoes in half, otherwise they will absorb the salt and be too salty to eat). Pour over just enough water to cover (about 300ml) and add the salt.
• Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 40 mins until the potatoes have cooked. When the water begins to evaporate, give the pan a shake to coat the potatoes in the salt. Once the water has gone completely and the potatoes are covered in a light salty crust, they are ready to serve.
• Meanwhile, make the herb salsa. Chop the herbs finely, tip into a bowl and mix in the vinegar, oil and garlic. Taste and season as required. Serve the potatoes with a little salsa drizzled over and the rest served separately for dipping.

HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
• Warm gently before spooning on fish or vegetables.