Crispy Whole Striped Bass with Red Tomatillo Sauce and Roasted Red Potatoes

Ingredients

• Peanut oil or canola oil, for frying
• 2 cups rice flour
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 4 whole striped bass, about 1 pound each, scaled, gutted, rinsed, and patted dry
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup water

Directions

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a high-sided skillet over medium heat to 360 degrees F.

Whisk together flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk in enough water to make a batter the consistency of a crepe batter. When the oil has 360 degrees. Season each fish well on the inside and outside and dip into the batter, allowing any excess to run off. Carefully place 2 whole fish in each pan and cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve each fish on a large plate, ladle with some of the Red Tomatillo Sauce, and arrange the Roasted New Herb Potatoes around the plate.

Red Tomatillo Sauce:

• 8 tomatillos, husked and washed
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large red onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 habanero chile, coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons New Mexico chile powder
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place tomatillos in a small roasting pan, toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast until soft, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Heat remaining olive oil in medium sauce pan, add onions and cook until soft. Add garlic and habanero and cook for 1 minute. Add the chile powder and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatillos, stir, and cook for 10 minute. Transfer the mixture to a food processor, add the vinegar, honey, and cilantro, and process until almost smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Roasted New Herbed Potatoes:

• 12 new potatoes, cut in half or quartered depending on size
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped flat leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper, to taste. Place in a small roasting dish and roast until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately fold in the herbs.