Red Snapper with Kale Puree and Roasted Carrots

This dish is a easy and healthy meal that requires minimal time.  This costs $15, feeds two people and takes under 30 minutes.

Kale Puree
1 bunch organic kale, chopped
1/2 organic white onion, chopped
1/2 organic leek, chopped
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
salt and pepper

Blanch all items in boiling water for 7 to 10 minutes or until onion are tender.  Drain and puree in a blender with olive oil and lemon juice, season to taste.

Roasted Carrots
Julienne one organic carrot.  Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and place on a foil baking sheet in 400 degree oven for 15 minutes.

Pan Seared Snapper - Shallot Meyer Lemon Sauce
Get a sautee pan hot over medium high heat.  Add a good coating of oil.  Season fish with salt and pepper and pan sear skin side down for 5-7 minutes or until skin is crisp and golden.  Flip the filet for 2 minutes on the other side and then remove from the pan and let rest skin side up.  Remove excess oil from the same pan and add a tablespoon of butter along with some finely diced shallot (or onion).  Let cook 2 to 3 minutes or until golden then add a tablespoon of meyer lemon juice (or regular lemon/lime/citrus).  Stir well and spoon over plated fish.

Buon Apetito!!

Cajun Fried Catfish with Dandelion Greens, Corn & Carrots

Catfish is inexpensive and readily available previously unfrozen which always ensures a better quality dining experience.  This simple dish takes 40 minutes, costs $12 and feeds two people.

Cornmeal Crusted Cajun Catfish
1 whole catfish filet cut into 4 smaller strips
1/4 cup fine cornmeal
1/8 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon marjoram
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon chipotle powder

Mix all dry ingredients with a fork in a shallow baking pan or bowl.  Toss catfish strips in cornmeal mixture until well coated.  Let the fish sit in the mix while you prepare the remaining items.  This will ensure the fish is dry and well coated before going into the oil.  Fry for about 7 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.  Remove and let dry on paper towel.  Serve immediately

Wilted Dandelion Greens
In a medium saute pan start a tablespoon of diced shallot or onion.  Toss in one bunch of fresh washed dandelion greens.  Saute for about 5 minutes or until the greens are wilted.  Season with salt and pepper.

Butter Poached Corn and Carrots
Remove corn from the cob and peel and cut carrots into rounds.  Add to a small saute pan along with 1/2 a stick of butter and a few tablespoons of oil olive.  Turn pan to low heat and let cook about 20 minutes or until carrots are tender.

Meyer Lemon Aioli
1/8 cup olive oil mayo
2 tablespoons honey mustard
1 teaspoon marjoram
juice from 1/2 a meyer lemon

Easy and delicious lunch, Buon Apetito!!