Whole Sea Bass With Charred Serrano Basil Vinaigrette Recipes

Steps:

• For the Charred Jalapeno-Basil Vinaigrette: Heat oil in a small saute pan until smoking. Add the jalapeno and cook until charred on all sides. Let the pepper cool and slice thinly. Place the pepper and the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until blended.
• For the Crispy Fish: Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F. Pat fish on both sides with paper towels to insure that it is totally dry. Season the fish on both sides with salt and pepper. Mix rice flour and water together. Dredge both sides of each fish in the batter and tap off any excess. Slowly lower the fish into the oil and fry for 6 to 7 minutes. Carefully remove, drain on plate lined with paper towels and drizzle immediately with the vinaigrette.
• For the Grilled Vegetables: Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt and pepper, and grill until tender.

Steps:

• Discard the water from the soaked beans.
• In a large saucepot, render the pancetta. Add the beans and 5 cups of water. Simmer for 45 minutes. Strain the beans, reserve the liquid and discard the pancetta. Set aside.
• In the same pot, heat the olive oil. Saute all the vegetables until the onions are transparent.
• In a small bowl, dilute the tomato paste in the remaining 1/2 cup of water. Add to the vegetables. Add the spinach, the reserved bean liquid and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Add the beans, season with salt and pepper. Reduce by 1/4. Reserve.
• Prepare the Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and toss gently. Reserve.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Brush the fish fillets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place a medium saute pan over high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and saute the fish, skin side down for 2 minutes. Transfer to the oven and bake until done, about 5 to 6 minutes. Do not turn the fish to ensure a crispy skin.
• Prepare the escarole. In a large saute pan, over medium heat, add the olive oil. Saute the escarole until wilted. Season with salt.
• Meanwhile, lay out 4 large soup plates and ladle 6 ounces of the white bean ragout on each plate. Lay 2 spears of escarole cross-wise. With a metal spatula, carefully place a fillet, skin side up, on top of the escarole. Spoon tomato vinaigrette across the fillet. Serve immediately.