Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Pan-Seared Mahi with Blackberry Ginger Sauce and Sauteed Yellow Squash


I am back from DC and I am so tired. The 3 hour time difference really kicked my butt...that and a rigorous schedule and early mornings at the conference.

So I finished up work early, headed to the store and hoped to be inspired. Let me just say inspiration does not come as quickly or painlessly when I am so tired I have to lean on the cart to hold myself up.

But then I saw beautiful fresh Mahi and California berries for $2 carton and it all came together.

This recipe is fast and simple, but has an appearance of more work than it actually takes. Perfect for a night like tonight! Now I am off to bed...

Pan-Seared Mahi with Blackberry Ginger Sauce and Sauteed Yellow Squash:
(serves 2)

1 lb (2 pieces) mahi mahi filets
2 tbs flour
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

1 small carton blackberries
1 tbs chopped fresh ginger
1/4 c brandy
1/4 c water
1 tsp (or to taste) honey

Yellow squash, sliced into half moons
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Directions:
Season flour in a shallow pan with salt and pepper. Rub fish lightly all over with seasoned flour. Set aside.

Meanwhile, simmer berries and all other ingredients over medium high heat until syrup is formed and all flavor and color has been extracted from berries and mush is left. Strain with a fine mesh strainer, return to a clean saucepan and reduce until desired consistency. Set aside.

Saute squash in olive oil, flipping frequently and not allowing to brown. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, sear the fish presentation-side (not the skin side) down and sear until golden brown in olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully turn fish, continue to cook over medium heat until flaky and just cooked through.

Serve fish garnished with sauce and with squash on the side.

13 comments:

lululu said...

Welcome back!
Good to have such delicious dish though you felt so tired!
Take good rest!

Unknown said...

I'm impressed! I could never create such a beautiful meal after travelling for work. Looks yummy! :)

Vicki said...

I want to put that sauce on ice cream!

Patricia Scarpin said...

This is a very different sauce, Kirsten! Such a beautiful color!

Lis said...

That fish looks amazing, Kirsten! Why is it when I see a carton of blackberries I don't think of making a sauce out of them and then pairing that sauce with fish? *sigh*

You're one of my idols =)

xoxo

Deborah said...

I am impressed - if I had just returned from a trip, my husband would be getting cereal for dinner!!

Lovely dish - I love mahi!

Kelly-Jane said...

I don't think I'd manage this with jet lag either! Well done looks lovely :)

Helene said...

This comes at the best time: the neighbor just dropped off 1/2 a mahi that he fished this weekend and I had not much inspiration at first...now I do. Looks great and tasty!

Anonymous said...

Kirsten--I just love anything that looks more impressive than the effort put forth warrants. I will definitely steal this one. I'm also thinking that some snipped chives or thinly sliced scallions sprinkled over the top would have added a nice green wildness to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

That said, I wouldn't made anything more complicated than a call to the neighborhood pizzeria were I as tired as you. Still, I understand the urge to get back in the kitchen to connect with cooking and eat something not made by a restaurant after traveling.

Anonymous said...

Your plated meal is just gorgeous! Like a meal from a restaurant, but I'm sure it tasted better. Very nice job Kirsten!

Kirsten said...

Thanks Lululu & Christine - at least good food makes you feel better after traveling.

Vicki - totally! I think on crepes or pancakes too!

Thanks Patricia - the vibrancy was lovely and a nice contrast.

Lis, you are so sweet. The berries called my name in the store.

Deborah - I died laughing re: cereal. Honestly if I had cereal and milk I might have eaten that too, but since I had to go to the store anyway...

Kelly-Jane, thanks! Helen - you are SO lucky!! Awesome!

Thanks Terry - I think chives would have been perfect. Lovely!! See, we could come up with great recipes if we collaborated.

Kristen - thank you! That is so sweet. :)

Anh said...

The source must be perfect for the fish! I haven't tried mahi yet. Don't think it's available here (AUstralia), but I will coming back to try the sauce!

Unknown said...

I want to share it on pinterest but i dont see a way.