Salt Crusted Fingerlings Recipes

SALT-CRUSTED FINGERLING POTATOES

Steps:

• Put the potatoes, water, and Kosher salt into a pot and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. With a wooden skewer, test to see if they are tender. Pour off most of the water, reserving as much salt as possible.
• Lower the heat and keep a watchful eye on the potatoes. The goal is to let the water evaporate so the potatoes are coated in salt. Be careful not to burn the salt or the potatoes. Cook another 3 to 4 minutes, then remove the potatoes and let cool.
• Use a kitchen towel to wipe the excess salt off each potato, leaving only a light dusting of salt on each. Clean the potatoes one by one so the skins don't break.
• To make the dipping sauce, start by putting the garlic cloves on a skewer. Char them on an open flame. Brush off the blackened skins and roughly chop. Place the parsley and cilantro leaves, the roasted garlic, black pepper, and olive oil into a mini-blender and puree to a smooth consistency.
• Pour the sauce into a small bowl. Serve the potatoes and sauce at room temperature.

SALT CRUSTED WHOLE FISH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, trimmed to extend 3-inches in diameter around outside of the fish.
• In a medium bowl, combine the egg whites, sea salt, flour, 2 tablespoons of the parsley and 1/2 cup of water. Mix with your hands until a thick paste forms.
• Fill the cavity of the fish with the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts and lemon slices. Rub the exterior of the fish with the garlic, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley and freshly ground black pepper
• Put the fish on the parchment lined baking sheet. Mound the salt paste evenly over the entire fish. Press the mixture firmly down to the baking sheet, being careful to seal any cracks.
• Bake the fish until the crust is golden brown and very firm, about 18 to 20 minutes.
• Slide the parchment and fish onto serving platter or cutting board and crack the crust with a handle of a large knife. Slide a spoon under the top fillet, over the spine, and lift it to a serving platter. Turn over and repeat. Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.

SALT-CRUSTED FINGERLINGS

Steps:

• In a heavy-bottomed, wide saute pan over high heat, add the potatoes and just barely cover with cold water. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and then simmer uncovered until just tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Lower the heat and continue to cook, keeping a watchful eye, so the water evaporates completely and the potatoes are left covered in salt, about 30 minutes. Once the water has evaporated, cook for 3 to 4 minutes, lightly tossing; the oil left in the pan will help prevent the potatoes from sticking. Remove the potatoes from the pan, discard the herbs and garlic and serve.