Peasant Style Monkfish Stew Food

WOK-COOKED MONKFISH WITH SESAME SOY SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat some groundnut oil in a large wok over high heat. Add the fish to the wok, pressing lightly on the fillets as they cook. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium.
• Turn the fish over and sprinkle the garlic, ginger and chile over the fillets. Cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the size of the fillet, until the flesh has turned opaque and flakes when poked at with a fork or a pair of chopsticks.
• Season the fish with the soy sauce and sesame oil. Add the spring onion strips and chopped cilantro and cook until the herbs have wilted slightly.
• To serve, garnish the fillets with the wilted herbs and serve immediately with the steamed vegetables or the scented rice and noodles if using.

MONKFISH ROASTED WITH HERBS AND OLIVES

Steps:

• Tie the monkfish fillets with butcher's twine at 2-inch intervals. Season with salt and pepper.
• Line the bottom of an earthenware or other low-sided baking dish with thyme and rosemary sprigs. Tuck bay leaves here and there, if using. Lay the fish on top of the herbs and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Scatter the lemon slices and whole olives over fish. Set aside for 30 minutes to marinate. Heat oven to 425 degrees.
• Meanwhile, make the olive paste: Put pitted black olives, garlic and 1/4 cup olive oil in a small food processor and pulse to a rough paste. (Alternatively, chop olives finely with a knife and stir together with garlic and oil.)
• Roast fish, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned on top and firm to the touch. Check with a paring knife to be sure fish is cooked through. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Snip twine with scissors and remove from fish. Cut fish into 4 portions and spoon some of the roasted lemon slices and whole olives over the top. Dab each piece with a teaspoon of olive paste, or pass olive paste separately.

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.

MONKFISH FILLETS DIJON STYLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
• Select a baking dish large enough to hold the monkfish fillets in one layer without crowding. Pour olive oil over the bottom. Turn the fillets in the oil to coat well all over. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brush the fillets with mustard. Scatter onions and garlic around the fillets.
• Place the baking dish on top of the stove and heat until the oil begins to sizzle. Add the white wine and scatter the mushrooms around the fillets. Bring the wine just to a simmer.
• Place the baking dish in the oven and bake 15 minutes. Baste the fillets and return to the oven. Continue baking about 5 minutes. Swirl the butter in the sauce. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

PEASANT STYLE MONKFISH STEW

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
• Sprinkle Creole seasoning on all sides of the monkfish.
• In a large stock pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the monkfish and sear, about 2 minutes per side.
• Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Add whatever sausage you prefer to the oil in the pan and cook, stirring, until brown, about 3 minutes, (a little less if you use the seafood sausage).
• Add the onions and bell peppers and cook until slightly softened, for about 3 minutes.
• Add the shallots and garlic, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
• Add the tomato paste and cook until slightly browned.
• Add the wine and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pan.
• (Note, the seafood and/or soy sausage don't give off nearly the fat that chorizo would, so I usually keep my on it until I pour in the wine to make sure its not getting too dry).
• Reduce wine for a couple minutes add then add your tomatoes.
• Let them cook for about 1 minute and then add the olives, potatoes, oregano, and bay leaf.
• Finally, add the shrimp stock and stir well.
• Bring to a boil.
• Remove from the heat, return the monkfish to the pan, cover tightly and roast in oven until the fish is tender, about 35 to 40 minutes.
• Remove from the oven.
• Divide the monkfish and pan juices among 4 large, deep bowls.
• Sprinkle each portion with the cheese and parsley if desired.
• Serve immediately.
• I always serve with lots of crusty bread to mop up the juice.