2 monkfish fillets, approx 350g each
60g butter, softened, plus extra for garnish
4 cloves of garlic, peeled and boiled for 5 minutes
1 tbsp of finely chopped Parsley
Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
12 slices Parma ham (pancetta or smoked bacon will work just as well)
Cooking string
Sea Salt
Freshly ground Black Pepper
250g cherry tomatoes
4 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
300g spinach
2 tbsp pine nuts
2 tbsp of raisins
2 tbsp shaved Parmesan cheese
Monkfish has a delicious white flesh that has a texture quite similar to lobster, Parma ham complements the fish beautifully and the garlic butter will melt and give the fish a lovely delicate flavour while keeping it moist during roasting. This healthy and easy to make dish would make the centrepiece of any dinner party.
Pre heat the oven to 200°C (Gas 6).
Start preparing your flavoured butter by mixing the butter, parsley, lemon zest and cloves of garlic. Mix everything with a fork so the garlic gets squashed and blended with the butter. season everything with salt and pepper.
Now it's time to prepare your fish. Season the fish with salt, pepper and a few drops of lemon juice. Smear your garlic butter all over the fillets, leaving 1 tsp of butter behind for the outside.
Lay your Parma ham slices side by side, slightly overlapping and place the monkfish in the centre. Wrap the fish in the ham, while holding it together so that its tightly wrapped. Hold the ham in place by tying the fish parcel firmly with pieces of string - you will need about 6 pieces. When finished it should look like a roll. Rub the outer surface with the rest of the butter mixture.
Place the fish in a small roasting tray and squeeze a bit more of lemon juice over the top. Bake for 20 minutes.
It's time to prepare your sides, so after the monkfish has been in the oven for 10 minutes place your cherry tomatoes in a separate roasting tin, drizzle with olive oil and salt and whack in the oven next to your fish.
Now move on to your spinach. Get a non stick frying pan and put it on a medium heat, place 2 tbsp of olive oil and then your pine nuts and raisins, cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, season with salt, pepper and the parmesan.
By now your fish should be done, so bring it out and slice your roll into cutlets. Serve on the bed of spinach, topped with the roasted tomatoes and all the lovely juices from the roasting tin.