An Instagram worthy arrangement with lightly browned monkfish atop a vibrant, rustic stew of red tomatoes and softened, caramelized fennel, sprinkled with fresh green parsley and sprinkling of freshly ground pepper. A slice of rustic bread on the side adds an inviting depth to the composition.

Monkfish alla Pizzaiola with Fennel Stew

Name: Monkfish alla Pizzaiola with Fennel Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: monkfish fillets, 4 (approximately 200 grams each) none; fresh fennel, 2 large cut into thin slices; tomatoes, 6 medium diced; garlic cloves, 3 minced; red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon none; dry white wine, 1 cup none; parsley, 1/4 cup chopped; extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons none; black pepper, to taste none; kosher salt, to taste none

Category Main Course

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 40 minutes

Style Italian

Technique Searing

Diet Friendly Pescatarian

Daily Recipe: February 14, 2024

Celebrate the season with a Pescatarian delight inspired by Italy's popular pan-seared dishes. This recipe features fresh monkfish, a seasonal, flaky white fish that pairs perfectly with bold, hearty flavors. The richness of the fish is balanced perfectly with a zesty tomato and fennel stew, making this dish elegant yet hearty.

Ingredients (for 4)

Monkfish fillets - 4 (approximately 200 grams each) - none
Fresh fennel - 2 large - cut into thin slices
Tomatoes - 6 medium - diced
Garlic cloves - 3 - minced
Red pepper flakes - 1/2 teaspoon - none
Dry white wine - 1 cup - none
Parsley - 1/4 cup - chopped
Extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons - none
Black pepper - to taste - none
Kosher salt - to taste - none

Preparation

Step 1 - 🍳🥣🌿

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat. Add sliced fennel and cook until softened and golden brown, remembering to stir occasionally.
Step 2 - 🍳🧄🌶

Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until these ingredients become fragrant.
Step 3 - 🍅🍷🔥

Add diced tomatoes and white wine to the garlic and fennel mixture. Allow them to simmer until the tomatoes are softened and the wine is reduced by half.
Step 4 - 🐟🧂🌑

While the stew simmers, take the monkfish fillets and season them with salt and pepper.
Step 5 - 🐟🔥🍳

In another skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned monkfish fillets and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the fillets are lightly golden and cooked through.
Step 6 - 🥘🐟🍽

Distribute the tomato fennel stew into four bowls, place a seared monkfish fillet on top of each bowl. Sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley before serving.

Additional

This dish is typically made with veal or fish in the traditional Pizzaiola style. It's a wonderful way to infuse flavor into lean proteins. You can substitute monkfish with swordfish or cod. Kids can help prepare the fennel and tomatoes with supervision. Additionally, serving this dish with a light side salad would create a larger, more balanced meal.