CookTeaser

RECIPE

Serces 2

A CookTale

In our kitchen Swordfish is a staple. We love the meatiness, the flavor of the sea, and the way it responds when grilled in a sizzling pan. I sound like a broken record when I once again say, do not overcook it! The addition of sauteed Broccoli Rabe with lots of slices of Garlic and a pinch of Red Pepper Flakes, makes a hearty dinner. The side dish of fried Zucchini Blossoms rounds it all out. Making every dinner worth recalling with a smile the next morning is my goal.

RECIPE Swordfish

INGREDIENTS

3/4 of a pound of at least 1 inch thick top grade Swordfish
Sea or Kosher Salt enough for a generous sprinkling
1 tsp of Lemon Pepper+ 1 tsp of Black Pepper
1 tsp of any semi-hot dried Chile
1 TB of EVOO + 1TB for the grill pan
1 TB of fresh Lemon Juice

METHOD

1. Add the Salt, Pepper, Lemon Pepper, Chile Pepper & EVOO to the Swordfish.
2. Heat a cast iron grill pan to smoking. Add the 1 TB EVOO
3. Add the Swordfish. Pan grill for 2 minutes on 1 side, 1 minute on the other side. You are looking for sear marks. The fish will be rare. For medium rare add 45 seconds a side. (A word to the wise, any further cooking will result in a brick of fish entirely dried out.)
4. Remove & prepare to assemble the plates.

RECIPE The Puttanesca Sauce

INGREDIENTS

1 tsp of Garlic or more, finely chopped
2 Cans of flat Anchovies chopped & their oil
1 Large Onion chopped
1 Fresh hot Chili Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes to taste
1 28 ounce can of Italian Plum tomatoes, if available
San Marzano Tomatoes always preferred
2 tsp of black Pepper
2 tsp of chopped fresh Oregano or 1 tsp of dried
2 TBS of Flat Leaf Parsley finely chopped
1 TBS of Capers drained & rinsed
12 Gaeta Oil Cured or Kalamata Black Olives pitted & cut in quarters
2 TBS of EVOO

METHOD The Puttanesca Sauce

1. Heat Olive Oil & the Oilin the Anchovy can in a large deep skillet till medium high & saute the Anchovies until melted. Add the chopped Garlic & saute till golden.

2. Saute diced Onion for a few minutes until transparent & tender.
3. Add Tomatoes & their juices, smashing the Tomatoes by squeezing them through your fingers as you apply them to the skillet.
4. Add Chili or Red Pepper Flakes, Pepper, Oregano, Parsley, & rinsed Capers.
5. Cook uncovered at a simmer for 20 minutesor

until the flavors merge. Use your judgment.

6. Add chopped Olives & cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Taste & adjust seasonings as desired.

RECIPE For The Broccoli Rabe

INGREDIENTS

1 lb of Broccoli Rabe.
2 Garlic cloves sliced.
Red Pepper flakes (to taste)
2 TB of EVOO
1/4 Cup of freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

METHOD

1. Wash Broccoli Rabe, trim the stems, remove & save large leaves
2. Steam for 6 minutes, flush in cold water and drain.
3. Cut into small pieces & set aside.
3. Add the EVOO to a deep sided frying pan, when rippling hot saute Garlic & Red Pepper flakes, do not let them burn. Add the Broccoli Rabe. Toss it all together & cook until the mixture is softened to taste. Add a few ounces of water if the pan gets too dry. Set aside.