POACHED COD WITH SPINACH AND PIMIENTO-CAYENNE PUREES

Poached Cod with Spinach and Pimiento-Cayenne Purees image

Yield Serves 2

Number Of Ingredients 5

a 4-ounce jar pimiento, drained
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
4 cups packed fresh spinach leaves, washed well
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
two 3/4-inch-thick cod or scrod steaks

Steps:

In a blender purée the pimiento with the cayenne, season the purée with salt, and reserve it in a bowl. In a saucepan cook the spinach with the water clinging to its leaves over moderate heat, covered, until it is wilted, transfer it to the blender, cleaned, or a food processor, and purée it with 2 tablespoons water. In the pan heat the spinach purée with the butter over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and keep the purée warm, covered.
In a heavy saucepan large enough to hold the cod in one layer combine the cod with enough salted cold water to cover it by 1 inch, bring the water to a simmer, and in it poach the cod, covered, at a bare simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, or until it is just flakes. Divide the spinach purée between 2 plates, spoon dollops of the pimiento purée onto the spinach purée, and swirl them decoratively into the spinach purée. Transfer the cod with a slotted spatula onto the purées.