Michael Anthony’s Blackfish with Spaghetti Squash

From Gramercy Tavern
(Yield:  8 servings)

Blackfish is a common by-catch on the east coast.

For blackfish:

• Blackfish, boneless and skinless    8 – 5 ounce filets
• Olive oil  2 Tbsp
• Garlic, peeled and smashed  1 clove
• Thyme 1 sprig
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

1.    Season fish with salt and pepper on both sides.
2.    Heat olive oil in sauté pan with garlic and thyme.
3.    Add fish and sauté, basting with olive oil.

For spaghetti squash:

• Spaghetti squash, cut in ½ lengthwise 1 each
• Olive oil 3 Tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Walnut pieces 3 Tbsp
• Wildflower honey (preferably Hampton’s) 1 tsp
• Lemon juice 1 tsp

1.    Preheat oven to 375° F.
2.    Season squash with salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3.    Place squash, cut side down, on a sheet tray and roast in oven for 20-25 minutes        or until flesh pulls away from skin (be careful not to overcook as it is important for the squash to maintain its texture).
4.    Using a fork, remove squash flesh from the skin and set aside.
5.    Toast walnut pieces in remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
6.    When nuts turn light brown drizzle with honey.  Toss to coat.
7.    Add lemon juice to finish.
8.    Fold walnuts into spaghetti squash and season with salt and pepper.

For sauce:

• Manzanilla sherry 2 cups
• Vegetable stock 1 cup
• Saffron 1 tsp
• Mild imperial curry 1 tsp
• Shallots, peeled and minced 2 Tbsp
• Garlic, peeled and minced 1 clove
• Lime juice 1 Tbsp
• Butter 1 Tbsp
• Pumpkin seeds, toasted 3 Tbsp
• Apple, peeled, cored and minced 3 Tbsp

1.    Place all ingredients except the lime juice, butter, pumpkin seeds and apple in a saucepan.
2.    Place over medium heat and reduce by 2/3.
3.    Blend with a hand blender until smooth.
4.    Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5.    Add lime juice and butter and stir until butter is melted.
6.    Just before serving, warm sauce and add toasted pumpkin seeds and minced raw apple.  Season again with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembly:
1.    Spoon spaghetti squash into center of each plate.
2.    Place fish on top of squash.
3.    Spoon sauce on top of fish as well as drizzle around plate.

Address: 42 East 20th St., nr. Park Ave. South
Phone: (212)477-0777

Until we eat again,
Restaurant Girl
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