Have you ever prepared fish in crazy water? Maybe you will say no, but instead I say yes: I have prepared and don't you even noticed. Because, as I learned when I decided to make this dish, the crazy water is basically what we call Sicilian fish stew or soup.
Cooking all’crazy water
Some historical: It looks like the crazy water (which is nothing if not a fish cooked in water, garlic, fresh tomato, oil and parsley) is a Neapolitan cooking method, spread in the nineteenth century when vigevano duties on salt, so it was very expensive. for that, to bake fish using seawater, avoiding the use of salt. Today this method is widespread throughout the South Italy and also in Sicily: my mother prepares, ever since I remember, the spatula, the cod, the sea bass stew in exactly the same way. And with the crazy water seasoned pasta.
Now we come to us: I've settled for a fish in crazy water, I wanted to do a full plate that can be first course or main course: a grouper all'acqua pazza risotto made with Sardinian fregula. Since the parsley in the broth reminded me too much of the usual flavors, I used Marjoram and lemon thyme, and a drop of Franciacorta Rosé to fade. The recommendation is that, during cooking, the liquid arrivals at a lower level to half the height of the fish. Fish should never be covered with #8217;water, otherwise it will cook like a boiled fish.
the alternative
You can prepare this recipe in a pan or in the oven, I chose the first option. If you do not find the fregula, You can use the couscous cooked in fish sauce that goes just for a few minutes. If you love Sardinian cuisine, have a look at all my SARDINIAN RECIPES, from seadas to macaroons and my RECIPES WITH SARDINIAN FREGULA. Have a good day!
CRAZY WATER FISH WITH SARDINIAN FREGULA
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INGREDIENTS
- a grouper from 800 grams to 1 kg approx, eviscerated and squamata (Alternatively bream, Red Snapper, Sea bass...)
- 15 type Piccadilly tomatoes
- fresh parsley (or thyme and Marjoram if you prefer): to taste
- 4 cloves of garlic
- extra virgin olive oil: to taste
- 100 ml dry white wine (I used a Franciacorta Rosé)
- salt and pepper: to taste
- fresh chilli: to taste
- 200 grams of Sardinian fregula (or couscous, If you do not find the fregula)
PROCEEDINGS
Preparing fish at’crazy water is very simple: wash the tomatoes and cut them into wedges. Put olive oil in a large saucepan, combine the cloves of garlic, pepper and the parsley stems. Brown and add the tomatoes, do take heat, Add wine. Do soften alcohol and add 250 millilitres of water. Salt and simmer for 10 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by at least a third.
At this point, lay the fish in the Pan, merge a few leaves of Marjoram or thyme and chopped parsley. Cook covered over medium heat for 20 minutes. To see if the fish is cooked, pull one of the fins of the fish. If the fin comes off, the fish is ready. Keep warm.
Boil the fregula in abundant salted water and drain it al dente. Finish cooking the fish soup in a pan by merging it with the fregula largo, high heat, so they take flavor. Emulsify with extra virgin olive oil and freshly ground black pepper.
Composition of the dish: put the fregola in single holsters, drizzle with a little’ crazy water, lay a fillet of fish (Skinless and boneless: I recommend). Garnish with tomatoes. Sprinkle with a little extra virgin olive oil, some’ black pepper and garnish with chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme and Marjoram. Bon appétit!
THE PAIRING: We suggest a Franciacorta D.o.c.g. rosé brut produced by Wineries The Valley, in Rodengo Saiano, in the province of Brescia. This wine, made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (manually selected), It's delicate, mineral, very fine and elegant in its perlage. Clear scents of rose and red fruits. Besides being an excellent aperitif wine can accompany fish recipes like this, keeping a nice balance throughout the tasting.
6 comments
Good morning Ada. Who would have thought that the fish stew of my youth in the family was the fish in crazy water. My mother would make both the cod that anchovies (” the masculini “). I was going crazy, I felt the fish for the sick. Your recipe seems great and I find your most comprehensive and appropriate recommendation on cooking. I think this time I will go crazy. Thanks for bringing me in memories of past kitchen. A warm hug. Salvatore
Is’ even the fish of my childhood. The dish is stewed spatula, at this point I would call spatula all'acqua pazza. And then the sauce into the pasta. A fairy tale, and many magnificent memories. I embrace you, ADA
Hi Ada,
Now you'll know if something inspires me I wouldn't think twice…I did the bass like this for dinner and it’ enjoyed it. Since I had just made the bread I decided not to make the fregola- but the sauce was yummy and everyone did the Slipper. Another great recipe, Thank you very much! My husband and’ excited about this new repertoire!
Hugs,
Maja
Coming from a making bread at home… Thank your husband for the enthusiasm and thank you as always for your confidence! I will reply tonight with a bream from 1.5 pounds of sea for mom's birthday dinner, and I match the cous cous. A dear greeting! ADA
Buonooooooooooooooooooooooooo preso nota ciaooo 😀
Grazieeeee!!!! I embrace you, ADA