Friday

Rustic fish

Last night wanted to cook something fast and simple, and it turned out to be one of the best things ever. The bad photos don't do this meal justice, but trust me, you will love it! So please try to make this! 
Fish in tomato lemon sauce, creamy polenta and roasted tomatoes.


Here is how to make it:


Start with the polenta, as it takes the longest to cook:
2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Mozzarella or other cheese of your choice.  


Place a small pot or a medium sauce pan with 2 cups of water and pinch of salt on medium heat. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornmeal on the water, this will help the water boil faster. Or you can use a an electric water kettle to have hot water fast. Now that the water is boiling, slowly add the cornmeal, whisking continuously with a wire whip, so you don't get any lumps. After adding all the cornmeal turn the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. In the meantime you can start cooking the fish.
When the polenta is done, warm the heavy cream in a sauce pan and add it to the polenta, mixing well. Let rest in the pot covered, until ready to serve. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top before serving.



For the fish : 
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion , cut in half inch cubes
4-6 Campari tomatoes (or other tomatoes you like, I just prefer Campari), peeled and cut in quarters. To easy peel tomatoes drop them whole in boiling water for 10 seconds, then the peel will come off super easy. 
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
15 oz (around 400 g) white fish fillet cut in 2-3 inch pieces (your choice of fish)
Salt and fresh ground peppercorns , to taste
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (spicy red peppers)
1/2 teaspoon paprika 
1 bay leaf
3 slices of fresh lemon, seeded


In a deep pan on medium heat stove top, melt the butter and olive oil. When hot, add chopped onion, mix, and cook for 2-3 minutes, sprinkled with a little salt. Add the cut tomatoes, turn up the heat on medium-high, and cook for 2-3 minutes , stirring once or twice. Add the garlic, stir, and immediately add the fish pieces on top, sprinkle the seasoning and add the bay leaf, then stir carefully once, not to break the fish. Place the lemon slices on top of the fish, and let cook for 3 minutes.  Gently turn the fish on the other side and cook for another 3 minutes. Turn of the stove. Give it another gentle stir and cover the pot to keep it warm until serving. 




While the fish cooks is time to make the roasted tomatoes:
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 Campari tomatoes, cut in half
1 small pinch of salt




The fastest way to get "roasted tomatoes" is actually searing them in a pan. In the oven it would take longer, so I prefer to do it this way. Grilled or roasted tomatoes are so delicious, they make a good side to any dish. 
Heat the olive oil on medium high heat in a pan. Add the tomato halves , cut side up, sprinkle with salt, and cook for 2 minutes, then turn them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. 
You can also grill them if you have a grill.


Enjoy this hearty but easy to make dish!




On the plate you can see also some potato fries, just because my hubby asked for them. :)