Pan-seared mahi-mahi with arugula and Modica chocolate recipe

Modica chocolate and fish? Pairs perfectly!

During Chocomodica in Modica, Sicily, I had the good fortune to stumble into a cooking demonstration presented by Chef Emiliano from Modica. He took the time to explain how he made his fish garnished with chocolate – in Italian so a little hands-and-feet interpretation -- so that I could recreate a recipe of my own to share with you, our Subscriber Club members.

While Chef Emiliano verbally gave me a list of ingredients, I needed to use his list and compare it with a few photos I took of him preparing the dish to help me come up with this most delicious recipe. Chocolate and fish you say? I can't explain it other than to say, it works, wonderfully. Use the photos I have provided to exactly follow my recipe – or to come up with your own version.

Finding Modica chocolate won’t be so easy. It’s only available in Sicily, some specialty stores, and of course online. I’m not sure the chef would agree with my suggestion for a substitute, but definitely do not use a creamy milk chocolate since Modica chocolate is dark and somewhat crispy. Semi-dark, denser chips will be your best bet since they will retain some sweetness but still have a little more crunch. Since Modica chocolate is somewhat sweet, do not choose a super bitter dark chocolate. You may need to experiment to find the taste combination you prefer. Then take this inspiration, as I am, and find more ways to mix the sweet of something like chocolate into a savory dish!