Grouper with Jicama and Black Bean Sauce

• Recipe by Jacques Pépin

This dish was inspired by the delicious local grouper Jacques picks up at the beach when the fishermen return with their catch. Here, the skinned fillets are steamed over a bed of simmering local vegetables, including a dice of juicy jicama, which Jacques usually adds raw to salads for a cool crunch.

Ingredients

SAUCE

1. 1 cup cooked black beans with some of their liquid (fresh or canned)
2. 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves
3. 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4. 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
5. Salt and freshly ground pepper

FISH

1. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2. 1/4 cup dry white wine
3. 2 scallions, thinly sliced crosswise
4. 1 1/2 cups diced peeled jicama (1/2-inch dice)
5. 1 medium tomato, cut into 1-inch dice
6. 1/2 poblano chile, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice
7. Salt and freshly ground pepper
8. Four 6-ounce skinless grouper, striped bass or red snapper fillets
9. 1/4 cup cilantro leaves

Directions

1. MAKE THE SAUCE: In a food processor, combine the black beans, cilantro, olive oil and lime juice and process until pureed. Scrape the puree into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.
2. PREPARE THE FISH: In a large skillet, combine the olive oil with the wine, scallions, jicama, tomato and poblano and season with salt and pepper. Boil for 1 minute. Season the grouper fillets with salt and pepper and arrange them in the skillet, skinned side down. Cover and simmer over moderate heat until the fish is just cooked, 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Reheat the black bean sauce. Transfer the grouper to a platter. Strain the cooking liquid into the sauce, reserving the vegetables. Spoon the sauce onto plates and top with the grouper and reserved vegetables. Garnish with the cilantro and serve.