Cumin-Crusted Snapper with Lentil-Spinach Sauté and Mojo Recipe

DIRECTIONS

Similar to a vinaigrette, a mojo combines oil, citrus juice, garlic and chiles. This mojo features Serrano chiles and cilantro. Taste the lentils frequently while cooking to avoid their becoming mushy.

1. To cook the green lentils, rinse and place in pot with two cups of water. Simmer until just tender. Drain off any excess water, place the lentils on a baking sheet or other flat surface and refrigerate. 
2. To make the mojo, in a medium sauté pan, bring 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 sliced garlic clove and sliced shallots to a simmer. Using a mortar and pestle, purée the serrano chile* (remove seeds and gills), lime juice, vinegar, cilantro and cumin. When the mixture forms a paste, slowly add the hot oil mixture, grinding it with the pestle to combine. Season with salt. Set aside and keep warm. 
3. To make the snapper, lightly dust each piece with cumin, salt and pepper. Score the skin side of the fish. In a medium sauté pan, heat 2 tbsp virgin olive oil until almost smoking; add the fish, skin side down. Cook until the skin is brown and crispy, flip and cook 2-3 more minutes. Do not overcook. Set aside and keep warm. 
4. To complete the lentils, in a large sauté pan, heat 2.5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil until just smoking. Add the 2 thinly sliced garlic and sliced yellow onion and cook until just translucent. Add the lentils and lightly sauté about 1 minute. Add the spinach and water and cook until the spinach is just wilted, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. 
5. To serve, divide the lentils in four portions. Place on plates with a piece of fish on top of each portion. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of mojo around each plate, with some on the snapper. 

This recipe was created for Atkins by chef Ian Clark.