Roasted Monkfish Fennel And Chestnut Tagine Recipes

THE BEST ROASTED FENNEL

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 475 degrees F.
• Pick 2 tablespoons of the tender green fronds from the tops of the fennel bulbs and set aside. Cut the remaining top and bottom from each fennel bulb, then cut the bulb in half lengthwise through the core. Use the tip of the knife to cut an upside-down "V" on the bottom of each bulb to remove most of the core, leaving just enough so the bulb stays intact. Cut each half through the core into wedges, about 1/4 inch thick.
• Add the fennel bulb, thyme, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes and 3/4 teaspoon salt to a large bowl and toss until evenly coated. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.
• Roast in the oven until the fennel is very tender and lightly browned in spots, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, top with the reserved fennel fronds and serve with the lemon wedges.

ROASTED MONKFISH WITH ROUILLE

Steps:

• To make the rouille, in a small saucepan, bring the wine to a simmer and reduce it by half. Set aside. In a food processor, combine the roasted pepper, Tabasco, potato, garlic, salt and pepper and process until almost smooth. Do not over process or the potato will become gummy. Add the olive oil and vinegar in a thin stream while the machine is running, then transfer the mixture to a bowl. Just before serving, heat the reduced wine slightly and beat it into the rouille, drop by drop, to loosen it. Bring a medium saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the whole potatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Drain well, cut in half, and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat a heavy 12 inch skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium high heat and add half the olive oil. Sear the onion slices until almost charred, pressing them down with the back of a spatula and turning to the other side when blackened.
• Separate the onions into rings and add the garlic and rosemary. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute. Transfer the vegetables to a plate and wipe the pan with a paper towel. Add the remaining olive oil and, again over medium high heat, lightly season and then sear the monkfish tails, turning with tongs to be sure all sides brown evenly. Return the onion mixture to the skillet around the fish and add the potatoes. Season generously with salt and pepper. The fish should not be crowded or it will steam rather than roast. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for about 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Serve the rouille on the side.

MONKFISH ROASTED LIKE LAMB WITH GARLIC AND FENNEL

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Using a very sharp knife, cut away the thin dark membrane that runs along the bottom of the monkfish tail. (If you can't get it all, carefully sever the membrane in two or three places to keep the tail from contracting as it cooks.)
• Cut three cloves of garlic into thin slivers. Using the point of a knife, cut tiny incisions all over the tail and push the garlic in.
• Trim the base of the fennel and pull off the outer layer of the bulb if it's stringy or discolored. Cut off the top, chopping the feathery greens for a garnish. Cut the bulb into quarters, then thinly slice those.
• Place half the butter in the bottom of a large roasting dish and place in the oven. When the butter is melted, arrange the fennel in the pan, then lay the monkfish on top. Season with salt and pepper and dot with the remaining butter. Cover with foil and roast for 35 minutes, basting twice.
• Remove the foil so the monkfish colors lightly. Baste once more and bake 10 minutes longer, or until the flesh is tender.
• Remove the pan from the oven. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fish to a serving platter, arrange the fennel around it and keep it warm. Pour the roasting juices into a small saucepan and add the fish stock. Boil rapidly until the liquid is reduced by half.
• Blend the mayonnaise with the minced garlic in a deep bowl. Remove the stock mixture from the heat and carefully whisk a ladleful into the mayonnaise. Pour the mayonnaise mixture back into the stock and reheat very gently, if necessary; do not boil.
• Slice the monkfish and spoon the sauce over. Sprinkle with the fennel leaves and serve at once.