Escabeche of Red Snapper

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Six (6-ounce) red snapper fillets
• 3 large onions, sliced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh coriander
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 1 1/2 teaspoons saffron threads
• 1 1/2 tablespoons green peppercorns
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded and sliced
• 2 orange bell peppers, cored, seeded and sliced
• 2 yellow bell peppers, cored, seeded and sliced
• 2 green bell peppers, cored, seeded and sliced
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• Juice of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 6 plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and cubed
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 pound mussels, scrubbed well and steamed, for garnish, if desired

Directions

In a large skillet heat 3 tablespoons of the oil over moderately high heat until it is hot, add the fillets, skin side down, and cook them for 4 minutes, or until the skin is very crisp. Turn the fillets and cook them for 2 minutes more.

In another large skillet cook the onion in the remaining oil over moderately high heat, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the fresh coriander, coriander seeds, saffron, green peppercorns, orange zest, garlic and bell peppers and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes. Add the wine and the orange and lemon juice and tomatoes and cook the mixture with the salt and pepper.

Transfer the fish to a large glass or ceramic dish, cover it with the vegetable mixture and chill it, covered, overnight.

Before serving, let the fish stand in a cool place for 1 1/2 hours. Garnish each serving with two of the steamed mussels, if desired