Monk Fish Steak with Saffron

Serves: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Ready In: 35 mins

2 - large white onions

5 oz - tomatoes

3 cloves - garlic

1 small bunch - chives

1¾ pints - fish fumet (or fish stock)

5-6 sprigs - parsley

2 pods - saffron (about 1 teaspoon)

3 lb - monk fish (boned weight)

8 fl oz - crème fraîche

Peel and roughly chop the onions (no need for any finesse since you will only use them for flavour). Peel, de-seed and chop the tomatoes into small cubes. Peel the garlic. Cut the chives into short lengths (no more than about 1cm - ½")
For this recipe you'll need 1 litre (1¾ pints) of Fish Fumet (Fumet de Poisson) which you can find in any good grocery store. If you have difficulties finding this, use a fish stock from cubes, but make it a little stronger than normal. It adds even more flavour if you make your Fumet with water and a little white wine (3 tablespoons of fumet powder, 1 glass of white wine, enough water to make up to 1¾ pints - 1 litre). Bring the liquid to the boil then add the onions, the garlic cloves (still whole), the parsley sprigs, and the saffron. Mix well.
This recipe uses one complete monkfish (which your fishmonger will trim and fillet for you). A whole monkfish produces two long fillets each about 12" (30cm) long. If the whole fish isn't available, take 4 monkfish tails instead. Remove any translucent 'skin' from the fillets which your butcher may have left on. Cut the fish into big chunks (about 4 from each fillet or 3 from each tail). Add these to the pan with the fumet mixture and cook at a rolling boil for 10 minutes (a couple of minutes less if you are using the tail, which is thinner than a fillet). Remove the fish from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside in a warm place.
Reduce the fumet over high heat for 5 minutes. Add the crème fraîche and reduce for a further 5 minutes. Strain the liquid into another pan (or remove the solids with a slotted spoon). Add the diced tomato and chopped chives to the sauce. Serve the monkfish and pour a little sauce over each. Decorate with a leaf of parsley and a sprinkle of chives. The remaining sauce can be served in a sauce dish.