Seared black cod, arugula parmesan coulis, cauliflower head and almond gratin, wilted spinach |

Preparation time: 45 min

Preheat your Oven at 400 °F

• Preparation

  Peel and mince the French shallots.

  Prepare the vegetable broth by adding the sugar.

  Prepare the cauliflower by removing the heads from the stalks.  Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cauliflower for roughly 3 minutes.  Make sure they still have a little crunch. Strain and set aside.

  Toast the almonds in a skillet or in the oven, making sure they don't get too dark.  

  Finely slice the chives.

• Cod

  Season the fish with salt and pepper.

  In a hot skillet with oil, sear the cod skin side down.  Try to avoid touching it or moving it around as the skin will detach very easily.

  Add the butter, crushed garlic and thyme, lower the heat and spoon the melted butter on top of the fish.

  The whole process should take about 5 minutes.  Remove the excess fat from the pan and set aside.  When ready to serve, transfer the fish to the oven for 4-6 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the fish portions.

• Arugula coulis

  In a sauce pot, sweat the shallots with oil and a knob of butter making sure not to caramelize the shallots.  Add the arugula as well as the vegetable broth and cream.  Bring to a boil and then remove from the heat.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Blend with a hand mixer or in your blender until smooth.

  Keep warm.

• Cauliflower gratin and béchamel

  In a sauce pot, heat the milk gently.

  In another sauce pot, melt the butter and then add the flour.  Cook for 2 minutes making sure not to color the flour.  (white roux)

  Add the milk while continuing to whisk in order to make sure there aren't any clumps.  Add the seasoning. (salt, Espelette, pepper and nutmeg)

  In a mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower with the béchamel as well as the toasted almonds.  Combine thoroughly and transfer to your baking dish.

  Place in the oven until you get a nice caramelization and then top with some grated parmesan.

• Spinach

  In a sauce pot with oil and a knob of butter, wilt the spinach.  This process should take about a minute.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Finish with the chives.

• Plating

  On a flat plate, place a nice portion of wilted spinach in the center.  Top it with the cod and a small pinch of fleur de sel.

  Drizzle the arugula and parmesan coulis on and around and serve the cauliflower gratin on the side.