Posh Nosh! Monkfish in a Tomato, Parsley Sauce

I was surprised by finding myself in possession of a couple of fillets of monkfish.  I haven't cooked it in years but felt that I needed to broaden my horizons from the usual lemon, garlic, olive oil and fish routine.  I went online and started searching monkfish recipes and came across one by Emeril Lagasse.  I've never cooked a Lagasse recipe before and indeed I did change this one considerably.  Nevertheless the basis of the recipe is his - and it's delicious.  As one of my daughter's remarked, "this is a good chunk of monk!"

1 lb fillet of monkfish, cut into chunks

Olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2-4 shallots, depending on size, finely chopped

2 gloves garlic, finely chopped

A good large handful of grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1/3 cup very finely chopped parsley

1/4 cup white wine

1/3 cup fish stock

salt and pepper

Dash of heavy cream (optional)

In a saute pan heat the butter and the oil.  Add the shallots and gently cook until soft and just turning golden.

Add the garlic and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and parsley, cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring well and allowing the tomatoes to release their liquid.

Turn up the heat, add the white wine and cook for a minute, add the fish stock and turn down to a simmer.  Allow to simmer for 10 minutes or so.

Remove from the heat and transfer to a blender.  Blitz and return to the pan.  

Add the chunks of monkfish, cover the the pan and cook on low for about 4 minutes or until the fish is fully cooked through.  Don't overcook or the fish will be tough.

Remove from the heat and add a dash of heavy cream if desired.  Serve immediately sprinkled with fresh parsley.

YUM!