1550. SEARED HAKE with LENTILS, BACON, OYSTER MUSHROOMS and MUSTARD EMULSION

makes 6 servings


7 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1/2 cup bacon, diced
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup carrot, diced
1/2 cup shallots, diced
1/2 cup leek, whites only diced
1/2 cup celery root, diced
2 garlic cloves, diced
1 pound le puy lentils, soaked in water over night, strained and blanched
salt, pepper, sugar and cayenne for seasoning
1 ounce balsamic vinegar
3 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup white wine (dry)
1/2 ounce whole grain mustard
6 pieces hake (3 ounce each)
1 1/2 cups oyster mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 ounce bacon strips
3 tablespoons toasted and chopped pecans
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
6 quail eggs
Chervil for garnish

Make the lentils. Heat 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil in a pot and add the bacon, searing for 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon butter, carrots, shallots, leek, celery root and garlic and saute for another 2-3 minutes. Add the lentils and cook 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper and deglaze with the balsamic vinegar. Let reduce for 3 minutes and add 2 cups chicken stock. Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Strain the liquid and combine with 1/4 of the lentils in a blender to make a lentil sauce. Pour the lentil sauce over the remaining lentils and let sit.

Make the Sauce Combine 1 cup chicken stock with white wine, salt, sugar and cayenne. Let simmer until it is reduced by 1/3; mix in 3 tablespoons butter to emulsify the sauce; finish with mustard. Reserve.

Make the fish. Season the fish with salt and cayenne. Heat up a frying pan, add 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil, and sear the fish for about 2 minutes on each side. Add 1 tablespoon butter to finish and remove from heat; let sit in the pan for 1 minute more then remove to a platter.

Make the Mushrooms. Heat a frying pan and add 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil. Add the mushrooms and bacon and saute for about 2 minutes. Add the pecans and season with salt and pepper. Finish with parsley and remove from heat.

Fry the quail eggs. Heat up a frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil and crack the eggs into the pan. Cook for 1 minute and remove.

Plating: Divide the lentil stew amongst 6 plates. Arrange a piece of fish and then top with a quail egg. Pour 1 spoonful of sauce around the lentils and garnish with chervil.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Chef Martin Brock, Behind The Burner