Striped Bass and Risotto in Spice Broth

Directions

1. For risotto, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add carrot, shallot and garlic and cook until vegetables soften. Combine broth, clam juice and wine in a glass measure (or a large bowl). Pour or ladle 1-1/2 cups broth mixture into a 2-cup glass measure. Add cream and curry paste; set aside.

2. Add remaining 5-1/2 cups broth mixture to vegetables. Bring to a boil; stir in rice and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook 20 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender with a slight bite. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of the lime peel.

3. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine coriander, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and pepper in a cup. Sprinkle over the skinless side of fish fillets. Heat 1-1/2 teaspoons oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat. Add 4 fillets skin side down. Immediately place the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate on the fish and weight with a heavy can. (This will prevent the fish from curling.) Cook 2 to 3 minutes until skin is browned. Remove plate and can. Transfer fish with a spatula, skin side down, to bottom of a broiler pan. Repeat. Bake 5 to 6 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork in center of fillets. Sprinkle with lime juice.

4. Microwave reserved 1-1/2 cups broth mixture on High 2 to 4 minutes until very hot; stir to dissolve curry paste. Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon lime peel.

5. Divide risotto among 8 serving plates. Arrange fish, skin side up, on top of rice; pour reserved hot broth around risotto. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with sauteed greens, if desired. Makes 8 servings.