Watercress emulsion

 
                            Watercress Emulsion
 
 Recipe By     : Too Hot Tamales Show #Th6297
 Serving Size  : 4    Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
    1      Bunch         watercress
    1      Tablespoon    Coarse Salt
 					
      1/2  Cup           canola oil
      1/2  Teaspoon      Coarse Salt
      1/4  Tsp           Pepper (Freshly Ground) -- To Taste
 
 Wash watercress and remove the thickest stems. Bring medium pot of water to
 a boil and add 1 tablespoon salt. Have a medium bowl of ice water at hand
 for refreshing. When water returns to the boil, plunge watercress in and
 cook for 30 seconds. Drain watercress and quickly drop in ice water. When
 thoroughly chilled, drain watercress again and lightly squeeze out water.
 Chop blanched watercress roughly on cutting board. Place in blender and
 puree, adding a little water if necessary to get the mixture going. With
 blender running, gradually pour in oil until emulsion is formed. Add rest of
 salt and pepper, puree again and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed. Serve
 over poached salmon.
 Yield: 4 servings
 Poaching is a delicious way to prepare fish without adding fat. Great for
 dinner parties: because the cooking is gentle, it allows a wide margin of
 error, fish won't overcook too quickly.
 Properly poached fish has a wonderful silky texture.
 Courtbouillon means quickboiling in French; it doesn't need to cook for long
 (compared to a stock). Can use this courtbouillon to poach any fish as well
 as shrimp, squid, etc.
 A courtbouillon should be fullflavored and wellseasoned, with a good dose of
 acidity to firm up the protein in the fish. No need to season fish fillets
 with salt and pepper as seasoning is already in the liquid.
 Watercress emulsion can be done with any other herb. The oil is suspended,
 or emulsified into the watercress puree to form a thick creamy sauce. Could
 strain this to get a watercress oil.
 Watercress one of our favorite greens, found everywhere in Mexico. Less
 expensive than other bitter greens, widely available most of the year.
         10/28/96 show
 
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