Monkfish Alla Pizzaiola Food

PORK CHOPS PIZZAIOLA

Steps:

• Cook the sausages: Heat a large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet over high heat. When the skillet is hot, use a pair of metal tongs to arrange the sausages in a single layer. (There is no need for oil as the sausages will soon start to render their grease.) Turn the heat to medium and brown the sausages on all sides, taking care that they are cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes total. Remove the sausages to a medium bowl. Pour off the grease and add the wine, simmering over medium heat to reduce to about 1/4 cup liquid, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour the reduced wine over the sausages and wipe the skillet clean.
• Cook the pork chops: Add the canola oil to the same skillet. Sprinkle the pork chops on all sides with salt. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, add the pork chops in a single layer and brown on all sides over medium heat, 5 to 8 minutes total. Remove the pork chops to the bowl with the sausages. Leave the grease in the skillet.
• Make the sauce: Stir the onions and garlic into the same skillet and cook over medium-low heat until translucent, 8 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with salt. Stir in the canned and cherry tomatoes with 1/2 cup water and simmer gently until the sauce is somewhat thick and tasty, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir the sausages and pork (and any meat juices) back into the sauce and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the heat, then stir in the cheese, red wine vinegar and basil leaves. Taste for seasoning.
• Cook the pasta: Bring 6 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add a generous handful of salt and bring the water back to a boil. Taste the water. It should be salty like seawater. Add the pasta and stir with a large slotted spoon to ensure the pasta does not stick as it cooks. Cook until still quite firm, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
• Finish the dish: Spoon the meat over the pasta in individual bowls or serve in a large bowl, family style. You can also just leave the pot of meat and sauce and the pasta separate and let people serve themselves.

PORK CHOPS ALLA PIZZAIOLA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the pork chops with salt and pepper. Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook until they are brown and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted horizontally into the pork registers 160 degrees F, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the pork chops to a plate and tent with foil to keep them warm.
• Add the onion to the same skillet and saute over medium heat until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their juices, herbes de Provence, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer until the flavors blend and the juices thicken slightly, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Season the sauce, to taste, with salt and more red pepper flakes. Return the pork chops and any accumulated juices from the plate to the skillet and turn the pork chops to coat with the sauce.
• Place 1 pork chop on each plate. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve.

MEATBALLS A LA PIZZAIOLA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Dice the smoked mozzarella into 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside. In a food processor, pulse the shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper until blended. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the beef and pork and, using a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until combined. Form into 1 1/4-to-1 1/2-inch meatballs. Insert 1 cube smoked mozzarella into the center of each meatball and form the meat around it, enclosing the cheese. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour equal parts olive oil and vegetable oil to fill the pan halfway. Heat over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer reaches 350 degrees F. In batches, fry the meatballs until dark brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Place the fried meatballs on a foil-lined baking sheet. Put in the oven and bake until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool slightly, then serve immediately with marinara sauce, if desired.
• Photograph by Joseph DeLeo

STEAK PIZZAIOLA

Steps:

• Sprinkle the steak all over with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Add the garlic to the skillet. Once it sizzles, add the onion and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly, about 4 minutes. Add the pepperoncini, tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes and 3/4 cup water and stir to combine. Bring to a rapid simmer, then nestle the steak in the sauce and simmer, turning once, until medium rare, about 7 minutes.
• Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest about 5 minutes. Continue simmering the sauce until thickened, about 3 more minutes. Thinly slice the steak against the grain and divide among plates. Top with the sauce and parsley. Serve with focaccia.

MONKFISH PROVINCIAL

Steps:

• In a resealable plastic bag, mix the salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and flour. Place the monkfish in the bag, seal, and shake to lightly coat.
• Heat the oil and melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the monkfish in the skillet, and cook for about 3 minutes. Mix in the garlic, tomato, and mushrooms, and continue cooking 3 minutes. Mix in the wine and parsley. Continue to cook and stir 2 minutes, or until the monkfish flakes easily with a fork.

HADDOCK PIZZAIOLA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Place fish in greased baking dish.
• Mix together the tomatoes, parsley, garlic, seasonings, olive oil and cheese.
• Spread evenly over fish fillets.
• Bake fish in the oven for 25 minutes.
• Cheese should be melted and tomatoes soft.
• Serve hot with pan drippings.