SWEET AND SALTY FISH COLLARS

Sweet and Salty Fish Collars image

Provided by Mads Refslund

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 3

3 cups prunes (dried up from old ugly plums or hardened in the pantry is fine)
3 (8 × 3-inch) pieces (about ½ sheet) dried kombu
4 to 8 collars from cod, bass, or other large fish collars, about 3 pounds (see headnote)

Steps:

Fill a large pot with 6 cups water and bring to a boil. Add the prunes and kombu and cook over medium heat for 45 minutes. Strain and return the liquid to the pot. (Discard the prunes and kombu, or reserve for other use. Keep in mind that the prunes might have a slightly briny taste.) Turn the heat to low and simmer for another 30 minutes, until the sauce thickens and reduces to a deeper flavored syrup. You should have about 2 cups.
Heat a grill (preferably with hickory) until the grate is at high heat. (Alternatively you can set the oven to broil and cook them the same way on aluminum foil.) Brush the collars with the sauce. Grill (or broil), basting frequently with the sauce, for 2-3 minutes, checking to make sure the collar is seared and golden on one side and then flipping and searing on the other side for another 1-2 minutes, until just cooked. Remove immediately and serve with sauce on the side.