Recipe: Sea Bass with Potatoes and Artichokes (Branzino con Patate e Carciofi)

SEA BASS WITH POTATOES AND ARTICHOKES
(BRANZINO CON PATATE E CARCIOFI)

1 lemon
2 1/2 pounds baby artichokes (or substitute globe artichoke hearts and bottoms or frozen artichoke hearts)
1 pound Idaho potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick (about 3 cups)
4 teaspoons sliced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
4 canned plum tomatoes, drained and cut lengthwise into 6 slices
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup vegetable stock
4 (7 to 8-ounce each) wild striped bass fillets
1/4 cup dry white wine

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Fill a bowl with water. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the water and add the lemon halves too. If using baby artichokes, peel the outer leaves until you reach the part where the leaves are mostly a creamy yellow. Cut the top inch off the artichoke and trim away the stem so that you are left with a golf ball-sized heart. Slice into 1/4-inch pieces and place in the lemon water. (For globe artichokes, remove the tough outer leaves and cut the artichokes into wedges. Remove the choke and the soft curly leaves above it. Slice the place in the lemon water). Set aside. Drain before using.

In a large bowl combine artichokes, potatoes, garlic, rosemary, basil, tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste. Add olive oil and toss to coat.

Place the potato mixture in a large ovenproof baking dish, add the vegetable stock, and cover with aluminum foil.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft. Spoon out a quarter of the vegetables into a bowl. Reserve.

Season the fish with salt and pepper and rub the fillets with a little olive oil. Arrange the fillets on the potato and artichoke mixture and add the wine. Cover the fish with the reserved potato mixture.

Bake, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. Serve.

Servings: 4
Adapted from source: True Tuscan: Flavors and Memories from the Countryside of Tuscany by Cesare Casella