Poached Monkfish
Mushrooms and a Creamy Sauce Add Great Flavor to Monkfish
Preparation time: About 15 minutes
Microwaving time: 14 to 19 minutes
Standing time: 2 minutes
Thanks to its sweet, lobsterlike flavor, monkfish is sometimes called “poor man’s lobster.” Here, the lean, firm-textured fillets are presented in a creamy sauce and topped with Swiss cheese.
1 1/2 pounds monkfish fillets
About 1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt
1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded Swiss cheese
Chopped parsley
If necessary, remove silvery membrane from fish: slide a knife underneath membrane to loosen it, then pull membrane off from one side. Rinse fish and pat dry. Fold narrow end of fillets under to make evenly thick pieces.
Place fish and 1/2 cup of the wine in a 2- to 2 1/2-quart microwave-safe casserole dish. Cover and microwave on HIGH (100%) for 6 to 8 minutes. Fish should be just slightly translucent; cut in thickest part to test. Pour off and reserve liquid and set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine mushrooms, 2 tablespoons of the butter, and nutmeg. Cover and microwave on HIGH (100%) for 3 to 5 minutes or until mushrooms are soft, stirring every 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, lift out mushrooms and arrange over fish in casserole dish.
Add reserved cooking liquid to mushroom liquid; add wine, if needed, to make 1 cup. Set aside.
Place remaining 1/4 cup butter in another microwave-safe bowl and microwave, uncovered, on HIGH (100%) for about 45 seconds until butter is melted. Using a wire whisk, blend in flour, then all of liquid. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH (100%) for 1 to 2 minutes or until thick, stirring every 30 seconds. Season to taste with salt.
Pour sauce over fish and mushrooms; top with cheese. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH (100%) for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes or until fish is heated through, giving dish a half-turn after 1 1/2 minutes. Let stand, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley. Makes 4 servings.
Per serving: 472 calories, 39 g protein, 7 g carbohydrates, 32 g total fat, 128 mg cholesterol, 321 mg sodium
