Roast Monkfish with Cumin and Coriander and Aubergine Puree

Ingredients

2 large aubergines

2 tbsp cumin seeds

2 tbsp coriander seeds

olive oil, for frying

100ml/3½fl oz double cream

2 lemons, zest of 1, juice of both

salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 x 200g/7oz monkfish fillets, skinned

melted butter, for basting

100g/3½oz green olives, pitted

1 tbsp capers, drained

6 salted anchovies

1 red chilli, finely chopped

5 tbsp olive oil

½ bunch fresh flatleaf parsley, chopped

celery leaves, to garnish

Method

For the aubergine, preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Put the aubergines over an open flame and burn the skins. When scalded all over, place the aubergines on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked. Remove the aubergines from the oven and leave to cool.

When the aubergines are cool, cut them down the middle and scoop out the creamy flesh – taking care not to pick up any of the toasted black skin. Using a sharp knife, chop the aubergine until it forms a rough purée. Transfer to a sieve set over a large bowl and leave to drain in the fridge overnight.

Toast the cumin and coriander seeds, either in a dry frying pan set over a low heat or in an oven preheated to 180C/350F/Gas 4 (this will take 8-10 minutes). When toasted, remove from the heat and leave to cool.

Blend the toasted seeds in a spice grinder to form a powder. Pass through a fine sieve to remove any bigger pieces.

Heat a little olive oil in a saucepan and stir in one and a half tablespoons of the toasted spice powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the drained aubergine and, when hot, add the double cream, lemon zest and a splash of the lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir through and set aside.

Dust the monkfish fillets in the remaining spice mixture. Heat a splash of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan set over a medium heat and cook the fillets for 6-8 minutes, turning all the time so that the spices do not burn. Remove from the pan and baste the fish in melted butter and a squeeze of lemon juice. Set aside to rest.

To make a dressing, finely chop the green olives, capers, anchovies and red chillies. Mix together in a large bowl with the olive oil, remaining lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To serve, reheat the aubergine purée, if necessary, and place a spoonful on each plate. Slice the monkfish and place on top with the dressing spooned over. Garnish with the celery leaves.