Spanish Mackerel With Almond Caper Butter

Chef Ivan M's Note:

Pan seared Spanish mackerel with almond caper butter over ratatouille

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 120 g unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 20 g capers, drained
• 20 g almonds, shelled
• 15 ml fresh lemon juice
• 5 g fresh parsley, chopped
• 60 g eggplants, sliced
• 60 g zucchini, sliced
• 60 g red bell peppers, cut into squares
• 60 g green bell peppers, cut into squares
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 80 g onions, finely chopped
• 20 g mushrooms, washed and chopped
• 30 ml olive oil
• 100 g tomatoes, peeled
• 5 g fresh basil, chopped
• 5 g fresh oregano, chopped
• 480 g spanish mackerel, filleted
• 30 ml olive oil
• 1/4 lemon, juice of
• salt

Directions:

1. In a small sauté pan, dry roast the almonds over low heat for about 3-5 minutes until golden, then remove from heat and let cool.
2. Pulse the almonds to a smaller uniform size, almost like coarse sand, in a food processor.
3. Place softened butter in a bowl, and whip until pale.
4. Chop up the capers to a fine mince and add to the bowl with almonds, fresh parsley and lemon juice.
5. Stir with a spatula or spoon to mix thoroughly. Season to taste.
6. Roll out a sheet of cling wrap on a flat surface.
7. Spoon out some of the butter mixture in a long line. Cover with cling wrap and gently roll into a log about an inch and a half in diameter.
8. Secure the ends by tying in a not. Refrigerate for about an hour until firm.
9. In a colander, place eggplant slices and toss with salt, about a tablespoon. Let stand for 30 minutes to draw out all the liquids. Drain.
10. In a sauté pan, drizzle some olive oil and heat over a medium flame.
11. Pan fry the vegetables until evenly toasted on all sides, about 3-5 minutes. let drain over kitchen towels.
12. In a sauce pan, add onions and garlic and toss until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
13. Add peeled tomatoes and bring to a boil. Lower heat and let simmer for 30-45 minutes stirring occassionally. This slowly brings out the fruit sugars.
14. Add the fresh herbs when the tomatoes have reduced by half. Season to taste.
15. Ladle the sauce in a small baking pan. Spread evenly.
16. Now layer the vegetables in rows.
17. Cover with parchment or wax paper and bake in oven 200C for 10-15 minutes.
18. Place fillet in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Then season with salt and pepper.
19. Heat sauté pan over medium heat. Add a little olive oil.
20. Lay fish one side and lower heat. Sear each side for one minute. Fish cooks easily, so keep an eye on how long it is over the fire. A protein food, it tends to get tough the longer it stays over heat.
21. Lay the ratatouille neatly in the center of the plate. Add a bit of the tomato sauce.
22. Place the seared Tanigue on top of the ratatouille.
23. Top with a slice of almond caper butter. You can garnish it with a chive.