Monkfish Saganaki Recipes

Steps:

• Cut stalks from fennel bulb and reserve 4 fronds for garnish, then discard stalks. Halve bulb lengthwise, core, and thinly slice crosswise.
• Sauté fennel, chile, and scallions in oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until fennel begins to soften, 4 to 5 minutes. Add wine and bring to a boil.
• Season fish with salt and pepper and add to fennel mixture. Cook, covered, over high heat until fish is just cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove lid and sprinkle feta over fish and cooking liquid, then cook, swirling skillet frequently, just until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy, 1 to 2 minutes (do not let boil). Serve fish immediately, with sauce spooned over it. Garnish with fennel fronds.

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.