Swordfish with Provençal mashed potatoes

Total time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Note: This is not a Michel Richard recipe but rather my interpretation of something he was doing about 15 years ago.

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Kosher salt

6 (1 1/4-inch thick) swordfish steaks (about 2 pounds)

2 large baking potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)

4 tablespoons olive oil,

divided

10 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

1 small clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup diced plum tomatoes

2 tablespoons chopped brine-cured black olives

1/4 cup chopped parsley leaves

1. Crush the fennel seeds,

pepper and one-half teaspoon kosher salt in a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. Reserve one-half teaspoon of the seasoning salt for the potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining mixture liberally on both sides of the swordfish steaks and set them aside.

2. Peel the potatoes and cut them into half-inch cubes. Rinse them well under running water and then steam them in a covered pan over boiling water until they are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Heat the broiler. Rub the swordfish lightly with one-half teaspoon of olive oil on each side. Broil until the meat flakes when pierced with a knife, about 10 minutes.

4. When the potatoes are tender enough that they fracture easily when pierced with a knife, transfer them to a mixing bowl, but keep the water boiling. Beat in the butter until the mixture is light and creamy. Beat in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the garlic. If the mixture starts to cool, place the mixing bowl over the boiling water to warm, like in a double boiler.

5. Off heat, fold in the diced tomatoes, chopped olives and parsley leaves. Add the remaining seasoning salt. Taste and add more salt if necessary.

6. Divide the swordfish evenly among six heated plates and spoon a small portion of the mashed potatoes alongside. Serve immediately.

Each serving: 523 calories; 31 grams protein; 21 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams fiber; 35 grams fat; 15 grams saturated fat; 105 mg. cholesterol; 290 mg. sodium.