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Archive for the ‘Seafood’ Category

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Paella Isabella

In Recipes, Rice, Seafood on January 29, 2012 at 2:28 PM

Paella Isabella

Paella Isabella

The secret to great paella is to be vigilant during the cooking process, constantly turning the mixture as ingredients are added, while simmering on low heat. The rice should be moist, sticky and tender when finished, so taste it periodically during the cooking. Make no mistake about it, paella is not a ‘fast food’, but the attention it requires is repaid by a delicious and most enjoyable meal.

Special equipment: a carbon steel 12 to 14 inch paella pan, a wooden spoon for stirring and large spatula for turning.

Total preparation and cooking time: 1 ½ to 2 hours. Serves 4 to 6 people.

Ingredients:
•    2 tbsps. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
•    4 Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Thighs, halved
•    4 tbsps. Unsalted Butter
•    1 Large Yellow Onion, chopped
•    1 qt.  Unsalted Chicken Stock
•    1 tsp. Saffron
•    1 Cup of Arborio Rice
•    3 Chorizos, sliced ¼ inch thick
•    ½ lb. Frozen Peas
•    ½ lb. Mussels, de-bearded and rinsed
•    2 dozen small Littleneck Clams, scrubbed and rinsed
•    2 Lobster Tails, removed from shell and quartered
•    ½ cup dry white wine
•    1 lb. Large Shrimp, cleaned and deveined
•    2 large Roasted Red Peppers, thinly sliced
•    1 small jar Marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained

Preparation:
1.    Heat the olive oil on medium and brown the chicken.
2.    Remove and set aside the chicken, add and melt the butter.
3.    Add onions, sauté until translucent.
4.    Add 3 cups of chicken stock and bring to a low boil.
5.    Add saffron and stir well, then add the rice.
6.    Cook over low-medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring constantly.
7.    Add back the browned chicken, then the chorizos.
8.    Add the peas and remaining cup of chicken stock, reduce heat to low.
9.    For the next 30 minutes add and stir constantly the following ingredients: mussels, clams and lobster meat.
10.    When clams begin to open, add the wine and cook 5 minutes.
11.    Add the shrimp, peppers and artichoke hearts, stir until shrimp turn pink approximately 15 minutes.

Serve with Rioja wine such as: Marques De Caceres Rioja Crianza Red

Please see: Cooking in Naples…Florida, that is!

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Seafood Risotto

In Recipes, Rice, Seafood on January 12, 2012 at 6:00 PM

Seafood Risotto

(Serves four. Active Preparation time 50 to 60 minutes)

Ingredients:

8 cups of  Unsalted Chicken Stock
1 pinch of Saffron threads, about 1/8 tsp.
3 tbsps. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tbsps. plus 2 tbsps. Unsalted Butter
1/3 cup Scallions, sliced; about 4 Scallions both green and white parts
2 cups of Arborio Rice
1 cup plus ½ cup of dry white wine
¼ lb. of Arugula
½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
½ lb. bay scallops
½ lb. large shrimp (8 or 9), shelled, deveined and cut in half
½ tsp. Hot Hungarian Paprika

Preparation:

1.    Heat the chicken stock in a small pot.
2.    Remove one cup of stock and add the saffron and set aside.
3.    In a separate, 3 qt. pot, heat the olive oil on medium, add 3 tbsps. butter to melt, stir well.
4.    Lower the heat; add the scallions and sauté for 2 minutes.
5.    Add the rice, raise heat to medium, and stir well for about 4 minutes to coat each grain of rice.
6.    Add the white wine, continuing to stir until the wine is absorbed.
7.    Add the set-aside cup of stock with saffron and keep stirring until all of the liquid is absorbed.
8.    Add a second cup of stock from the heated pot and add a handful of arugula, stirring well until the arugula becomes limp and the stock is all absorbed, about 3-5 minutes.
9.    Continue this process until all of the arugula and 7 cups of stock are used, leaving one cup still heated in the small pot, which will be added at the end.
10.    In the meantime, heat the remaining 2 tbsps. of butter in a sauté pan, add the scallops and shrimps and sauté on high heat for three minutes.
11.    Pour the remaining ½ cup of white wine over the shrimp and scallops and continue to sauté until most of the wine is absorbed. Sprinkle with the paprika and add to the rice after step 9.
12.    Add the Parmigiano-Reggiano, as well as the one remaining cup of stock, mix well and serve immediately.

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Baked Flounder Stuffed with Crabmeat

In Fish, Recipes, Seafood on January 12, 2012 at 5:51 PM

Baked Flounder Stuffed with Crabmeat

(Active preparation time 30 minutes; cooking time 20 minutes: Serves 2)

Ingredients for Crabmeat Stuffing (makes about 8 tablespoons of stuffing):

2 tbsps. unsalted butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
4 oz. crabmeat
1 tsp. Powdered Mustard
1 heaping tsp. Hot Hungarian Paprika
¼ cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon Italian Flavored Breadcrumbs
4 sage leaves, chopped

Other Ingredients:

4 Flounder fillets about 14 oz. in total
4 small pats of butter
Hot Hungarian paprika, for sprinkling
½ cup dry white wine
½ teaspoon or more of Wondra Flour
Lemon wedges

Preparation: Pre-Heat Oven to 375 degrees

For the Stuffing:
1.    Melt the butter in a medium sauté pan over medium-low flame.
2.    Add shallots and sauté until translucent.
3.    Add crabmeat and breakup large pieces with a fork, add spices.
4.    Add wine and cook down a few minutes, stirring mixture continuously.
5.    Add breadcrumbs until liquid is all absorbed, stirring mixture continuously.
6.    Add chopped sage, and stir into mixture.
7.    Remove stuffing from pan, place in a small bowl and allow to cool, prior to stuffing the fish.

Crabmeat Stuffing

For the Flounder:
1.    Spread fillets out on a carving board, with the narrower, pointed end of the fillets facing the away from you and the fillets tuned so that the inside is face up.
2.    Take about 2 tablespoon of crabmeat stuffing and beginning at the end of the fillet closest to you, lay the stuffing on the sole spreading it out as you move upward, but stopping about 1.5 inches from the narrow end.

Preparing the Flounder

3.    Roll-up the fillets starting with the end nearest you and secure each with a toothpick.
4.    Place the rolled-up fillets in a non-reactive baking dish, with toothpick sides facing down and top each with a pat of butter, and sprinkle with paprika.


5.    Bake in a pre-heated 375 degree oven on the top shelf for 18 minutes.
6.    After 9 minutes into the baking, add  ½ cup of dry white wine.
7.    When fish is cooked, remove from pan and set aside and keep warm.
8.    Pour off the liquid into a small pot and boil on high for 2 to 3 minutes, while whisking in a ½ teaspoon or more of Wondra flour to thicken.
9.    Pour sauce over fillets and serve immediately, with lemon wedges.

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Fillet of Sole Francese

In Fish, For Moms on the Go, Recipes, Seafood on November 23, 2011 at 4:18 PM

Fillet of Sole Francese

Preparation time, 5 minutes; cooking time, 5 minutes

Ingredients:

3 fillets of grey sole or lemon sole
3 eggs
6 tbsps. grated Romano cheese
Freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup of flour
2 tbsps. extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsps. unsalted butter
½ cup dry white wine
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp. chopped fresh flat (Italian) parsley

Preparation:

1.    In a medium sized bowl, whisk the eggs together with cheese and add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a rectangular Pyrex® baking dish, or something similar.
2.    Add the flour to a second rectangular Pyrex baking dish, or something similar.
3.    In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil on medium high heat and then add the butter.
4.    In the meantime, dredge the fillets in the flour, coating them on both sides and then dip them to the egg-cheese mixture.
5.    When the butter is melted, swirl in with the oil and add the fillets.
6.    Cook the fillets until browned, 1 and ½ minutes.
7.    Turn carefully with a long spatula and cook on the other side foe an additional 1 and ½ minutes.
8.    Remove the fish to a warmed serving platter.
9.    Add the wine and lemon juice to the pan, and stir until slightly thickened. Add extra flour if needed.
10.    Pour the sauce over the fish, sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Please see: A Pre-Thanksgiving Meal

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Fillet of Sole Stuffed with Crabmeat and Shrimp

In Fish, Recipes, Seafood on October 2, 2011 at 4:21 PM

(Preparation time about 15 minutes, cooking time 8 minutes)

Ingredients:

6 tbsps. unsalted butter
1 tbsp. crushed garlic
2 tbsps. chopped fresh oregano
1 cup of shredded crabmeat, about 8 oz.
1 cup chopped cooked shrimp, about 7 or 8 (1/4 lb.)
¼ cup Italian –flavored breadcrumbs
½ tsp. celery seed
½ tsp. hot Hungarian paprika plus extra
4 fillets Grey Sole or any other firm, thin white fish such as Flounder, about ¼ lb each
¾ cup dry white wine
Toothpicks

Preparation:

For the Crabmeat/Shrimp Stuffing:

1.    Melt 3 tbsps. of the butter in a small sauce pan on medium heat.
2.    Add the garlic and sauté lightly, do not let brown.
3.    Stir in the oregano.
4.    Add the shrimp & crabmeat.
5.    Stir in the breadcrumbs, celery seed and ½ teaspoon of paprika.
6.    Cook the mixture on medium for about 3 to 4 minutes to blend the flavors.

For the Stuffed Fillets:

Adding the stuffing

1.    Lay the fillets out on a cutting board, with the narrow end toward you.

2.    Spoon the stuffing onto the fillets, leaving about ¾ inch clear from either end.
3.    Gently roll up each fillet starting from the narrow end. Secure each roll with 2 toothpicks.

Rolled Fillets

4.    Sprinkle each roll with the additional paprika.
5.    Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter on high heat in a non-stick sauté pan with a cover.
6.    When the butter is bubbling, gently add the rolled fillets and reduce heat to medium.
7.    Saute the fillets on three sides, turning each fillet 1/3 of a turn after 1 minute, for a total of 3 minutes.
8.    Return heat to high, add the wine, bring to a boil, cover and cook for 5 minutes more.

9.     Carefully transfer the fish to individual plates and spoon the remaining gravy and loose stuffing over each fillet.

Fillet of Sole Stuffed with Crabmeat & Shrimp

Serve with steamed asparagus, dressed with butter and lemon, and a dry white wine such as Sancerre or Sauvignon Blanc.

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Grilled Swordfish with Pineapple Mango Salsa

In Fish, Recipes, Seafood on August 26, 2011 at 10:49 AM

Grilled Swordfish with Pineapple Mango Salsa Served with Grilled Vegetables and Sautéed Mushrooms

Grilled Swordfish with Pineapple Mango Salsa Served with Grilled Vegetables and Sautéed Mushrooms

(serves six)

I went to the local fish market yesterday, intending to grill a fillet of striped bass and serve it oreganata style for last night’s dinner.  But the fishmonger told me that the season is over; however, he did have a supply of freshly-caught, ‘harpooned swordfish‘. Change of plans necessary!

Ditch the oreganata idea, maybe hold that for a future dish of clams oreganata and head back to the produce market for mangoes, pineapple, jalapenos, red onion, cilantro and limes. Menu changed to Grilled Swordfish with a Pineapple Mango Salsa.

Preparing the Salsa:

2 ripe mangoes, skin and seeds removed, chopped coarsely
2 cups chopped fresh pineapple
½ large red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cilantro, finely chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
Juice of 3 limes, freshly squeezed
1 teaspoon of chili powder

Mix the above ingredients and lit sit for 30 minutes to blend the flavors.

Preparing the Swordfish:

Swordfish steaks about 1 inch thick (figure 1/2 pound per person)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1.    Rub the swordfish steaks with the olive oil and coat with salt and pepper, let fish sit for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature.

2.   Spray the grill with Pam or other non-stock spray, grill the swordfish steaks on very hot grill for 16-18  minutes, turning once.

Serve the Swordfish with the salsa on top.

We served this with Grilled Summer Vegetables and Aunt Emma’s Sautéed Mushrooms,  as well as several well chilled bottles of Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie.

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Striped Bass Oreganata

In Fish, Recipes, Seafood on August 15, 2011 at 10:28 AM

Striped Bass Oreganata with Sautéed Spinach

Serves 2: Cooking time – 35 minutes; total time – 40 minutes

Ingredients:

6 tbsp. Italian-flavored breadcrumbs
½ tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano, about 4 sprigs, stems removed and discarded
3 ½ tbsp. + 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ tbsp. fresh lemon juice, about ½ lemon squeezed
Fillet of Striped Bass, about 14 oz.
1/8 tsp. kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper taste
6 slices of lemon, about 1/8 inch thick
1 piece of heavy duty aluminum foil, about 18 x 18 inches square

Preparation:

1.    Pre-heat oven to 500 degrees.
2.    while the oven is heating, mix the first three ingredients in a small bowl.
3.    Add the 3 ½ tbsp. of olive oil and the lemon juice, mix well to form a paste.
4.    Coat the fish with the remaining 1 tsp. of olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.
5.    Spoon the oreganata paste over the fish to coat it evenly.
6.    Overlap the lemon slices on the aluminum foil.
7.    Place the coated fillet on top of the lemon, and fold the aluminum paper to make a tent, leaving space above the fish.
8.    Place the package on a shallow baking pan and cook for 30-35 minutes depending on thickness of the fish.

Serve with lemon wedge,  a side sautéed spinach and a glass of Rosé.

Note: This dish can be made with any firm, white, fish, such as red snapper; just adjust the cooking time based on thickness.

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Cedar Plank-Grilled Glazed Wild Salmon

In Fish, Recipes, Seafood on August 7, 2011 at 7:11 PM

King Salmon Grilled to Perfection on the Plank

(serves 4)

Ingredients:

2.5 to 3 lbs. of wild salmon fillets
¼ cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/3 cup of low sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
3 tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh ginger; about 2 peeled pieces one- inch in length
2 tbsp. coarsely chopped garlic, about 5 cloves
2 tbsp. dried mustard powder
4 teaspoons Potlatch Seasoning

Procedure:

1.    Soak the cedar plank for several hours before grilling.
2.    In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce and honey.
3.    Add the garlic, ginger and mustard powder and let sit for 30 minutes so the flavors blend.
4.    Remove fish from refrigerator and let sit for 20 minutes while you pre-heat the gas grill on medium. If your grill has a thermometer, you want it to be at about 450 degrees.
5.    Place salmon in a shallow non-reactive pan, skin side up and pour marinade over it.

Marinating King Salmon Fillets

6.    Let salmon sit in marinade for 30 minutes, turning once after 15 minutes. Do not marinate for more than 30 minutes or the flesh might begin to break down.
7.    Sprinkle the Potlatch seasoning over the flesh side of the salmon.
8.    Place the cedar plank on the grill over indirect heat. We have a three burner grill, so I shut the middle one and place the cedar plank over it, that reduces the chance of the the plank catching fire. Place the salmon fillets on the plank, flesh side up.
9.    Grill the salmon on the plank for 12 to 25 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish and your preference for degree of doneness. (If you are using Coho Salmon fillets, which are usually less than an inch thick at their thickest part – 12-15 minutes. King Salmon, which are usually more than an inch thick, will require 20-30 minutes according to degree of doneness preferred and thickness of the fillets.)

Please see Related Article                                                              

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Linguine with Shrimp, Fra Diavolo

In Pasta, Recipes, Seafood, Shrimp on July 27, 2011 at 4:28 PM

Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine

(Serves four)

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup + 6 tbsps. of extra virgin olive oil
  • 8 large cloves of garlic, sliced thin + 5 large cloves garlic, chopped fine
  • 1 tbsp. + 1 tsp. of hot red pepper flakes (omit the tablespoon if  not all are seafood lovers, see below)
  • 2 cans (35 oz.) San Marzano Tomatoes, drained (reserve liquid) and cut-up into large chunks
  • 1-pound dried Linguine (Barilla, DeCecco or other premium brand)
  • 25 to 30 (6-8 per person) Extra Large Shrimp (16/20 to pound size)
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup of San Marzano tomato liquid (only if sauce is too thick for taste)
  • 30 leaves of fresh Basil

Preparation:

These steps can be performed in advance

1.    Peel and devein the Shrimp, cover and keep refrigerated until ready to cook
2.    Bring large pot of water to boil, for the Linguine
3.    Heat 3/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan
4.    When oil is hot, but not smoking, stir in the sliced garlic and sauté until it begins to turn a dark almond color; quickly remove the sliced garlic with a slotted spoon before it begins to burn and discard it.
5.    Shut heat, and add 1 tablespoon of hot red pepper flakes, wait 10 seconds to allow the pepper flakes to brown lightly. (This step can be skipped for those who want plain marinara sauce.)
6.    Add cut-up and drained San Marzano Tomatoes, turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Stir well and frequently to blend oil and tomatoes; reduce, or shut heat, if not yet ready for the next phase. (Note: It is not necessary to cook for more than 10 minutes, once the sauce begins to bubble)

About 15 minutes before you are ready to serve the Linguine

1.    Heat remaining 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan
2.    Add a few drops of olive oil to the boiling water, place the dried linguine in boiling water and follow pasta cooking instructions on the box, approximately 9 minutes
3.    Add 5 cloves of chopped garlic to the hot oil in the pan
4.    When garlic turns very light golden color, shut the heat, add 1 teaspoon of hot red pepper flakes, wait about 10 seconds.
5.    Add shrimp and turn flame to high. Sauté and periodically turn the shrimp for 3 minutes, add white wine and continue cooking 2 minutes more, until gray color is completely gone and shrimp are pink throughout.
6.    If using the San Marzano tomato liquid, add about 1 cup or less to the shrimp when they are cooked, stir well to heat the liquid and add all to the previously cooked sauce. (If serving both marinara and Fra Diavolo, leave shrimp to side until sauce is added to pasta)
7.    When the linguine is cooked, drain it and toss it well with the sauce.
8.    Tear basil leaves into small pieces and add to the Linguine with Shrimp, Fra Diavolo, toss well again and serve.

Hot crusty Italian Bread makes a great accompaniment, as does a good Chianti. While some think that it is anathema to serve grated cheese with seafood, I do not subscribe to that philosophy and believe that this dish benefits from some freshly grated Pecorino – Romano cheese sprinkled over the pasta. If you wish to make this dish for more than 4 people, add one more can of tomatoes, one more pound of linguine and additional shrimp as necessary; the quantity of the other ingredients can remain as above.

Please see Related Article.

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Red Snapper alla Livornese

In Fish, Recipes, Seafood on July 11, 2011 at 10:00 PM

Ingredients:

•    2 fillets of Red Snapper, Striped Bass or other firm white fish
•    4 Tbsps. extra virgin olive oil
•    2 Tbsps. minced garlic
•    ½ cup finely chopped onion
•    4 Tbsps. capers drained
•    1.5 cups of whole pitted olives, green and black mixed
•    1/3 cup dry white wine
•    2 cups coarsely chopped tomatoes, drained
•    ½ cup fish stock or clam juice
•    ¼ cup chopped parsley

Preparation:

1.    Heat the olive oil on medium, in a non-stick pan with a cover and large enough to hold the fillets side by side.
2.    Add the garlic and onion and sauté lightly for 2 minutes, do not let it brown.
3.    Add the capers and olives and cook for two more minutes.
4.    Add the white wine, turn the heat to high and bring to a boil.
5.    Add the tomatoes, stir for 30-45 seconds, then add the fish stock or clam juice.
6.    Add the fish fillets, cover and poach 8 to 10 minutes for Red Snapper; 10-12 minutes for Stripped Bass, depending on thickness.
7.    Remove the fish to plates, sprinkle with the parsley and pour the sauce over the fish.

Serve with steamed or boiled, buttered new potatoes and a simple salad.

See Related Article