4 servings kosher salt and pepper black freshly ground
2 ounces blended vegetable and olive oil
2.5 ounces quality olive oil extra-virgin fine
2 cups oyster mushrooms
1 shallots finely minced
1 ounce quality sherry vinegar fine
1 ounce butter unsalted at room temperature
1 tablespoon butter unsalted at room temperature
1 cup vegetable stock
Equipment
bowl
frying pan
oven
sieve
blender
double boiler
Directions
Heat a medium skillet, and then add the mushrooms and saute in the olive oil, sprinkling with salt and black pepper, until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the thyme, garlic and shallots and saute for 1 more minute. Reduce the heat and add the sherry vinegar and honey. Stir to combine. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed, and reserve for plating.
For the corn pudding: Puree the stock and corn in a high-speed blender. Strain the corn puree through a fine strainer, and then pour into a double boiler over moderate heat. Season with salt and pepper. Stir often; the mixture will begin to thicken from the natural starch in the corn. Cook until desired consistency, and then stir in the butter and creme fraiche. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper, if needed, and keep warm.
For the grouper: Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Sprinkle the fillets with salt and pepper.
Add the oil to the skillet, and then carefully add the grouper fillets; do not overcrowd the skillet. Sear the fish well, while adding the butter and fresh thyme. Cook until the grouper is well seared and just cooked through, 3 minutes per side.
Remove from the skillet.
To serve, plate 4 ounces of corn pudding into each of four 12-inch shallow bowls.
Place a warm grouper fillet in the center, and garnish with the mushroom vinaigrette and petite greens.
