Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds sweet Italian sausage, removed from casings
  • 1 teaspoon dark chile powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 pinch cayenne
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups large-diced Yukon gold potatoes
  • 4 tablespoons grapeseed oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
  • 2 bunches kale, trimmed and chopped
  • 1 lemon, cut in half
  • 6 whole trout (head, guts and pin-bones removed)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil

Method

  • For the sausage gravy: Heat a pan over high heat, add the oil and then add the sausage.
  • Brown the sausage, stirring and breaking up the large chunks, until cooked through.
  • Add the chile powder, thyme and cayenne and saute for 1 minute.
  • Stir in the flour to make a roux.
  • Slowly stir in the milk and bring the gravy to a simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring so the sauce does not burn.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Keep warm.
  • For the vegetables: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Toss the potatoes in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of the grapeseed oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  • Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake until tender and browned, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Heat a large saute pan over high heat.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the pan.
  • Add the potatoes, tomatoes and garlic to the pan and saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add the kale to the pan and saute to wilt the kale.
  • Add a little water to help with the wilting if needed.
  • Season with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • For the trout: Season the trout with the salt and pepper.
  • Heat a large skillet over high heat.
  • Add the oil to the skillet and then gently place the fish flesh-side down in the skillet.
  • Sear the fish on the flesh side for 2 to 3 minutes and then flip and cook until the skin is crispy and the flesh is fully cooked, another 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Allow the fish to rest briefly before serving.
  • For plating: Divide the vegetables among 6 plates, lay the fish (flesh-side up) over the vegetables and then spoon the sausage gravy over the top of the fish.