Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons clarified butter
  • 1/2 pound potatoes, peeled, cut into balls with a parissienne scoop, and blanched
  • 1/4 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 1/4 pound chayote, pitted and cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 1/4 pound zucchini, cut into half moon shapes
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 8 (4 ounce) sand dab fillets
  • Essence, recipe follows
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/4 cup clarified butter or vegetable oil, or more as needed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons chopped parsley, plus parsley sprigs for garnish
  • Lemon wedges, garnish
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, garnish
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Method

  • Place a large saute pan over medium heat.
  • Add the butter and heat.
  • Add the potatoes, carrots, and chayote and cook until golden brown and tender.
  • Add the zucchini during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Season the vegetables with salt and pepper.
  • Add the parsley and toss well.
  • For the Sand Dabs: Season the fish lightly on both sides with the Essence.
  • Season the flour with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Essence.
  • Dredge the fish in the flour to lightly coat, shaking to remove any excess.
  • In a large, heavy skillet or saute pan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and heat the clarified butter or oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the fish in batches, cooking until golden brown, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side.
  • Remove and repeat with the remaining fish, adding more butter or oil as necessary.
  • Cover to keep warm until ready to serve.
  • Add the remaining stick of butter in pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown with a nutty aroma, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice, salt, and parsley, and swirl to incorporate.
  • Place the vegetables on plates.
  • Plate with sand dabs and sauce.
  • Garnish with lemon, green onions and parsley sprigs.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Yield: about 2/3 cup
  • Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch.
  • Published by William and Morrow, 1993.