Seabass with Butterbean and Chorizo Ragu
Bold and robust, a comforting way to serve fish, as good in the winter months as summer evenings! Super quick for a mid week meal or impressive for a supper with friends.
2 red onions, chopped
Approx 100g cooking chorizo cut into chunks (buy in a piece, not slices)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1-2tsp sweet paprika
pinch chilli flakes (optional)
salt and pepper
1Tbs tomato puree
1 Tbs thyme leaves (fresh if possible)
a wine glass of red wine
400g tin chopped tomato
400g tin butter beans, rinsed and drained well
4 sea bass (or trout) fillets, wiped dry with paper towel
Handful of chopped flat leaf parsley to garnish
Gently fry the onion for 5-8 mins until translucent, in a large non-stick saucepan . Add the chorizo and cook for another 2-3 mins.
Add the rest of the ingredients (except the fish), stir well, cover the pan, bring to the boil then turn down the heat and simmer for about 15-20 mins until thick (if its too watery, then take the lid off and cook for another 5 mins to reduce). You can do this ahead of time.
Re-heat the bean ragu when you ready to serve. Heat a non-stick frying pan, wiped with a little olive oil and gently cook the fish for about 2 mins on each side until looked through.
Pile a generous spoonful of ragu on each plate, then top with the fish (skin side up) and a good sprinkle of herbs.
Serves 4