Pumpkin Swordfish with Green Masala Sauce
A rare but delicious delicacy – Pumpkin Swordfish is in season (well, kind of) and it’s the best swordfish you ever ate!
With a gorgeous “pumpkin” color ~ it’s a sweeter variety that is more buttery in flavor with a juicy texture.
Of course you can use this recipe with any swordfish… I’m just showing off my catch!
The availability of “Pumpkin” swordfish is tricky, when fishermen catch this rare variety – it’s a surprise!
I lightly seasoned my fillets, not to overpower the natural sweet taste of the fish and grilled it indoors using a cast iron grill pan (instead of my BBQ ~ winter in CT is cold!) I plated it with a delicious, flowing Green Masala Sauce.
The sauce is made by blending fresh herbs and Indian seasonings, then heating it so the flavors pop – and adding coconut milk for a creamy consistency.
I found mine this past weekend – caught in Cherry Point, South Carolina and brought to my local Farmers’ Market in Greenwich, CT by The Local Catch.
The Method: Lightly season the swordfish – not to overpower it’s natural sweet flavor.
Grill to perfection, paying attention not to overcook it.
Make a Green Masala Paste in a blender – then add coconut milk and seasonings to a pan – makes a delicious Green Masala Sauce with a creamy consistency – and cook gently, not to dull it’s vibrant green color.
See blog for more photos and information about this gorgeous swordfish and masala sauce.
Ingredients
preferably ¾ inches thick
seasoning*
expeller pressed
Green Masala Paste – make 2/3 cups
leaves, washed & dried
(firmly packed)
washed & dried; packed
(Use additional mint leaves
for garnish)
peeled and chopped
peeled and chopped
stemmed and chopped –
jalapeño or serrano
(serranos are hotter!)
pressed safflower oil
To finish the dish:
not “lite”
Instructions
Cut fish into 4 even pieces (from 2 “steaks”)
Clean and dry – place on a plate, rub in 2 teaspoons of oil, sprinkle one side with the garam masala.
Alternately, you can season with salt & pepper.
Add to a plate to fit, set a side (or refrigerate.)
Make Masala Green Paste:
Place the next 8 ingredients in the carafe of a blender.
Blend from low heat to medium, scraping down the carafe once with a rubber spatula.
Run on medium speed for about one minute until it is smooth and a vibrant green.
Can be made a few days ahead; place in a glass container with a good seal in the refrigerator.
Make the Green Masala Sauce Sauce:
To a medium sized 1 1/2 quart pan, add 2 teaspoons of neutral oil, set heat to low.
Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, but not colored.
Add 1 teaspoon of garam masala, cook for 30 seconds, so the flavor just pops.
Add 4 tablespoons of the Green Masala paste – stir for 30 seconds.
Add the coconut milk – bring to a simmer, stir well and remove from the heat.
(Cooking too long will dull the vibrant green color.)
Add the lemon juice, sea salt and pinch of sugar stir in. Taste for seasonings.
Cook the Swordfish:
Heat a cast iron grill pan, or your favorite pan with a small coating of neutral oil to medium – high heat. (Can use your outdoor bbq too!)
When hot, add the swordfish, seasoned side down and cook until very golden in color.
Turn over with a metal spatula and turn the heat down to medium-low.
Cook until almost cooked through – you do not want to overcook swordfish – it will continue to cook a bit off the heat.
To Serve:
Add a pool of the sauce (a good portion) on individual plates or platter.
Reheat the sauce gently if needed.
Top with swordfish and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Another nice garnish is thin-cut, julienned scallions (add to ice water and it will curl nicely!)
This recipe may not be reproduced without the consent of its author, Karen Sheer.
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