Eel And Tomato Sauce. Recipe

Eel and Tomato Sauce Recipe

History:
The combination of eel and tomato sauce creates a unique and flavorful dish. This recipe has been enjoyed for centuries, with early records dating back to ancient Rome. Eel has long been a popular ingredient in European cuisine, particularly in coastal regions where it can be found abundantly. The addition of tomato sauce adds a tangy and rich flavor to the dish, enhancing the natural taste of the eel.

Fun Facts:
- Eels are known for their snake-like appearance and slimy texture, but they have been a staple food source in many cultures for centuries.
- In Japan, eel is traditionally eaten during the summer months, particularly on a specific day called "Doyo no Ushi no Hi." It is believed to provide stamina and energy during the hot season.
- Tomatoes were initially believed to be poisonous in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. It was only in the 18th century that tomatoes gained popularity and were widely used in cooking.

Ingredients:
- 1 eel (approximately 1 pound)
- 6 tomatoes
- 2 oz. veal seasoning
- 1 oz. butter
- 1 oz. flour
- Pepper and salt to taste

Instructions:
1. Prepare the eel by cleaning and gutting it. Cut it into desired serving pieces.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the veal seasoning.
3. Place the eel pieces in the boiling water and cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the eel is fully cooked and tender.
4. Once the eel is cooked, strain off the cooking liquid and set it aside.
5. Rub the tomatoes through a sieve to create a smooth sauce.
6. In a saucepan, combine half a pint of the eel cooking liquid with the tomato sauce.
7. In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly until a roux forms.
8. Slowly pour the tomato and eel cooking liquid mixture into the pan with the roux, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
9. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as desired.
10. Place the cooked eel pieces on a serving dish and pour the tomato sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley.
11. Serve the eel and tomato sauce dish hot alongside your favorite side dishes or with crusty bread.

Similar Recipes:
If you enjoy the combination of seafood and tomato sauce, you might also like these similar dishes:
- Fish in Tomato Sauce: Substitute eel with your favorite white fish fillets and cook them in the tomato sauce for a flavorful and light dish.
- Shrimp and Tomato Sauce: Sauté shrimps in a tomato-based sauce with garlic, onions, and herbs for a delicious and quick seafood dinner.
- Octopus in Tomato Sauce: Braised octopus in a rich tomato sauce creates a hearty and flavorful Mediterranean dish.
- Mussels Marinara: Steam fresh mussels and serve them in a zesty tomato marinara sauce for a delicious appetizer or main course.
- Lobster Fra Diavolo: Cook lobster in a spicy tomato sauce for a luxurious and indulgent seafood dish with a kick.

Experiment with these recipes and enjoy the marriage of seafood and tomato sauce in various forms.