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This dinner is great for entertaining because you can prepare it mostly in advance, and when the fish is ready there is no rush to prevent overcooking. It is nice served warm and doesn’t have to be piping hot, especially in summer. If you like wine, this meal goes well with dry white wine and its flavor is strong enough to stand up to a fruity red. I actually had mine with a Cascara iced beverage that my kids brought in from Mexico. It is made from the coffee berry and even without sweetener, tastes sweet and delicious, fruity, like a fine wine and dry like unsweetened iced tea. It packs a mild caffeine buzz. I don’t think it is available yet in the United States.
*I have found that pure spring water or filtered water provides much better flavor than even the best-tasting tap water.
Simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring every 20 to 30 minutes; for the most mellow flavor, simmer over very low heat for about 3 hours. Remove from heat and set aside.
For the brown rice: Put dry rice into a rice cooker and add the spring water. Cook according to appliance directions, and keep warm until serving. While the rice is cooking, prepare the broccoli rabe.
For the broccoli rabe: In a large skillet over low heat, warm the olive oil and add the garlic. Saute until soft and fragrant but not brown, 2-3 minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes, stir, and remove from heat. Season to taste with black pepper. Pour into a serving bowl and set aside the unwashed skillet.
Place the broccoli rabe into a steamer and cook just until bright green and the stalks are tender, 3-5 minutes; be careful not to overcook. Add to the serving bowl and mix well; cover and set aside.
For the clams and cod: Return the pan of tomato sauce to low heat, and add the clams; they should open after about 4 minutes. Meanwhile, season the cod fillets with paprika and black pepper. Return the skillet to medium heat and heat until a drop of water tossed in bounces up. Add the fillets with seasoning facing up and allow to sizzle for 1 minute. Add capers, potatoes, and vermouth, tilting the pan to allow the vermounth to cover the bottom. Cover and cook over low heat until the fish is white, opaque, and flaky, 3-4 minutes.
To plate and serve: Using spatulas, transfer the fish to a deep warmed platter. Top with tomato sauce and the opened clams. Serve the broccoli rabe on the side.
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