Walnut-Stuffed Sea Bass with Dried Cranberries

This walnut and cranberry stuffed sea bass make a wonderful light break from the seasonal and often heavier dishes of fall while still keeping with those holiday flavors.  

Ingredients

Canola oil, for brushing

1 cup @FarmFreshNuts walnuts

1/2 cup lightly packed cilantro

1/2 cup lightly packed parsley

1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons pomegranate syrup (not molasses)

1/2 cup dried #farmfreshnuts cranberries

Kosher salt

Pepper

One 2 1/2-pound sea bass filets

3/4 cup sour orange juice (or 1/2 cup fresh clementine juice mixed with 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon sugar

Cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°. Brush the inside of a 3- to 4-quart enameled cast-iron casserole with oil and line the bottom with parchment paper. In a food processor, pulse the walnuts until finely chopped. Add the cilantro, parsley, 1/3 cup of the pomegranate syrup and 1/4 cup of the dried cranberries and puree until a paste forms. Season the filling with salt and pepper.

Season the cavity of the fish with salt and pepper, then stuff it with the walnut filling. Brush the outside of the fish with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the fish cavity side up in the casserole, curling it so it fits snugly. Drizzle the fish all over with the remaining 2 tablespoons of pomegranate syrup. Roast for about 20 minutes, until the fish starts to release juices. Add 1/2 cup of the sour orange juice to the casserole and roast for 25 to 30 minutes longer, basting occasionally, until it is cooked through. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a nonstick medium skillet, melt the butter. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, the sugar and a generous pinch of salt and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the dried cranberries are softened and the sugar is dissolved about 3 minutes. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of sour orange juice and cook, stirring, until the dried cranberries are coated in a light sauce, 1 to 2 minutes.

Using a thin metal spatula, carefully loosen the fish from the side of the casserole. Put a serving platter on top of the casserole, then invert the fish onto it. Spoon the warm barberry mixture on top, garnish with cilantro (if using) and serve.

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