COD WITH MUSSELS, CHORIZO, FRIED CROUTONS, AND SAFFRON MAYONNAISE

Cod with Mussels, Chorizo, Fried Croutons, and Saffron Mayonnaise image

The fried croutons make this cod and mussels recipe worthy of a special occasion.

Provided by Rob Evans

Categories Bake Sauté Dinner Mayonnaise Sausage Cod Mussel Saffron Deep-Fry Simmer Bon Appétit Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 31

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Ingredients

Saffron mayonnaise:
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
Pinch of saffron threads, crumbled
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
Mussels:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped shallots (about 2 small)
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
Pinch of saffron threads
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 pounds mussels, scrubbed, debearded
4 fresh thyme sprigs
1/2 cup smoked Spanish chorizo,* diced
1/4 cup finely diced seeded tomato
1/4 cup finely diced roasted red pepper from jar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Fried croutons:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped shallots (about 2 small)
Canola oil (for deep-frying)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
12 1-inch torn pieces crustless sourdough bread (about 5 ounces)
Cod:
1 8-ounce bottle clam juice
1 cup dry white wine
1 12-ounce cod fillet, cut into 4 equal pieces

Steps:

For saffron mayonnaise:
Mix lime juice and saffron in small bowl. Let stand 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Whisk in mayonnaise, oil, and hot pepper sauce. Cover and chill at least 4 hours to allow flavors to develop. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Keep refrigerated.
For mussels:
Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, crushed red pepper, and saffron and sauté 4 minutes. Add wine; bring to boil. Add mussels and thyme; cover and cook until mussels open, about 5 minutes (discard any mussels that do not open). Strain mussel broth into large saucepan; add chorizo, tomato, roasted pepper, and parsley to liquid. Remove mussels from shells. DO AHEAD: Mussels and cooking broth can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.
For fried croutons:
Pour enough oil into heavy large saucepan to reach depth of 3 inches. Attach deep-fry thermometer to side of pan. Heat oil to 350°F. Whisk eggs, milk, and cayenne in large bowl. Add bread; stir to coat. Let soak 2 minutes. Drain off excess liquid. Working in batches, add bread to hot oil and cook until brown, turning as necessary, about 2 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels and drain.
Meanwhile, prepare cod:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring clam juice and wine to simmer in small saucepan. Pour into 7x5-inch baking dish. Add cod pieces to dish; sprinkle with salt and drizzle with oil. Bake until fish is opaque in center, basting with poaching liquid twice, about 8 minutes.
Bring mussel broth to simmer. Add mussels and heat through. Divide mussels and broth among 4 shallow soup bowls. Top each with piece of cod, 3 croutons, and dollop of saffron mayonnaise.v
A pork-link sausage flavored with garlic and spices but milder than Mexican chorizo; available at specialty foods stores and Spanish markets and from tienda.com.