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Crispy Skate with Cauliflower, Bacon, Capers, and Croutons

This lightly fried, fleshy white fish paired with crisp bacon and cauliflower is surprisingly hearty. Cream of Wheat gives the rice-flour crust an airy texture that won’t drown the fish, and the bacon drippings infuse the cauliflower with a smoky flavor. To cut the fat, drain the drippings and sautĆ© the vegetables in olive oil instead. Dover sole is a suitable flat-fish substitute.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

FOR CAULIFLOWER

4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups small (3/4-inch) cauliflower florets
10 cherry tomatoes, halved
1Ā 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon drained capers
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

FOR SKATE

1/4 cup rice flour (see Note)
1/4 cup Cream of Wheat
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
2 (7-ounce) pieces boned skate wing (or Dover sole fillets)
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped purchased plain croutons

Preparation

  1. MAKE CAULIFLOWER

    Step 1

    SautƩ the bacon in a heavy large skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Add the cauliflower to the drippings and sautƩ until crisp-tender and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.

    Step 2

    Add the tomatoes, lemon juice, capers, and thyme; simmer 1 minute to blend flavors. Remove from heat.

  2. MAKE SKATE AND SERVE

    Step 3

    Whisk the rice flour, Cream of Wheat, and herbs in a large shallow bowl to blend. Sprinkle the fish with salt and pepper, then coat fish on both sides with the flour mixture. Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish and sautƩ until browned and just opaque in the center, about 3 minutes per side.

    Step 4

    Rewarm the cauliflower mixture over medium heat. Mix in the reserved bacon and the croutons. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon the cauliflower mixture into the center of 2 plates; top with the fish.

  3. COOK’S NOTE

    Step 5

    The RICE FLOUR is available at some supermarkets, specialty food stores, and natural food stores.

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