No, I'm not a big fisher but I do love to find new and interesting ingredients that I've never heard of before and play around with them. One of the things I love about the area we live in now is all the Farmer's Markets. Not that there weren't any in Charlotte, but there's something different about the ones here. They are smaller, quaint and everywhere!
We came across one a few weeks back and, of course, had to check it out. My poor hubs has been drug to markets all over the world and still, most of the time, puts on a good face knowing that something yummy is probably coming his way at dinner that night. Today was no exception.
One of the vendors at this particular market was a small, almost traveling grocery store. Aside from the fact that their trailer was set up on a hill making it impossible for me to stay inside for more than a few minutes without feeling sick, it was wonderful! Tons of fresh produce, meats, dairy and breads lined the small walls. I was intrigued looking at the multitude this little gem had to offer when the owner happened by telling us that all the frozen seafood they had was 40% off today in order to make room for new product. Sold! I was getting something for dinner. The only question was what to choose.
I ventured over to the cooler seeing things I had seen elsewhere, scallops...flounder...grouper. All good choices, but I really wanted something new. That's when I saw a single pack of Sheepshead.
Having never heard of it before, I asked what it was like. "Kind of buttery, almost along the lines of lobster" the lady told us. Sold again! Time to go home and play.
Of course, I had to google the fish as soon as I got home. I wanted to know more about it. When I looked up pictures of the fish in the wild, I was pretty shocked. Ever seen a fish with teeth before? Me neither!?!
I learned these are saltwater fish found in the Atlantic Ocean whose diet consists mostly of oysters, clams and other crustaceans. Their teeth help crush the shells of their prey, since they eat everything whole. It's commonly nicknamed the fish with the human teeth...and I can definitely see why!
For this preparation, I decided to keep things very simple. Having never had the fish before, I wanted the natural flavor to come through as much as possible without being over shadowed by a bunch of spices. I seasoned the fish with salt and pepper. I then threw a stick of butter in a pot with 1/4 c of white wine and some dry roasted garlic flakes. I let this cook down until the butter was slightly browned and reduced a bit and used is to baste the fish as I broiled it. I severed it up with a side of roasted asparagus.
The result? OMG...it was sooo good! The fish was buttery, rich and super moist. Even the little one gobbled it all up with out so much as a peep. I can only hope that I will be able to find this fish again since it has now become one of my favorites! Guess that's the only real danger in trying ingredients you don't come across very often. Oh well, this time I've come across a gem and you can bet that I won't pass it up if I see it again!
So what's your favorite thing to play around with in the kitchen?
