ROASTED WHOLE BLACK BASS WITH HERB STUFFING

Roasted Whole Black Bass with Herb Stuffing image

Provided by Andy Baraghani

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

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3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more
3/4 teaspoon finely ground saffron threads
1 tablespoon orange-flower water
1 large shallot, very finely chopped
2 green garlic, white and pale-green parts only, finely chopped, or 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 1/2 cups finely chopped parsley
3/4 cup finely chopped tarragon
1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
1/2 cup finely chopped mint
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 serrano chiles, finely grated
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
4 (1 1/2-2-pound) whole black bass or branzino, cleaned, butterflied, patted dry
4 limes, halved
A mortar and pestle

Steps:

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly brush parchment with oil. Dissolve saffron in orange-flower water and 3 Tbsp. hot water in a small bowl.
Heat 3 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium. Cook shallot and green garlic, stirring often, until shallot is soft, about 3 minutes. Add parsley, tarragon, cilantro, mint, and turmeric and cook, stirring often, until herbs darken slightly, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chiles and lemon zest; season with salt and pepper.
Divide fish between prepared baking sheets. Open up and brush half of saffron mixture over flesh; season with salt. Stuff with shallot mixture; tie closed with kitchen twine, spacing 2" apart. Brush outsides of fish with remaining saffron mixture; season with salt. Roast until flesh is flaky and opaque, 16-20 minutes. Carefully move a rack to upper third of oven; turn on broiler. Working in 2 batches, broil fish until skin begins to crisp, about 2 minutes. Let cool slightly; squeeze limes over.
Fish can be seasoned and stuffed 2 hours ahead.