Pan Seared Rock Fish with Tomato, Zucchini and Olive Relish

While talking to my sister the other week she had mentioned that she made rock fish for a few friends of hers. She roasted a whole rock fish with olives, fennel, tomatoes and said everyone loved it! Even her friends that didn't like olives couldn't get enough. This sounded like a delicious meal so I decided to try something similar. This was a weeknight meal for me so I needed it to be quick and easy. I've never cooked a whole fish before so I chose a rock fish filet instead. It was a delicious meal that was light yet filling. The flavors of the olives, zucchini, tomato and the heat from the jalapeno complimented the fish really well. I'd like to try this combo with shrimp as well. This was a great summer meal! 

Pan Seared Rock Fish with Tomato, Zucchini and Olive Relish
1 Lb Rock Fish Filet
1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes, quartered
1/2 Cup Kalamata Olives, chopped
1/2 Jalapeno, diced
2 Cloves Garlic, chopped
1 Zucchini, diced
1/4 cup Dry White Wine
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste

Start by washing the rock fish off with cold water and patting dry. Season with a little olive oil and salt and pepper. Heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large dutch oven. Place fish, skin side up, in the pan and cook for about 3-5 minutes. Until a golden brown crust has formed. Flip the fish and cook until done. About 3-5 minutes. Please note that the piece of fish I had was very thick. Make sure you adjust your cooking time for the thickness of the fish you have. Remove fish from pan and set aside to rest. In the hot pan, add in the tomatoes, zucchini, olives, jalapeno and garlic. Cook until the tomatoes start to break down. Add in the white wine and cook until the wine has cooked out. You can add a little water if you want the vegetables to be cooked down more. To serve, place the fish on a large platter and serve the relish on top or on the side of the fish. This would pair well with some roasted potatoes or a creamy polenta if you want a starch.