Weekend Edition essayist Bonny Wolf rejoices in a sign of spring that not all of us have had the pleasure of experiencing: the running of the shad, and the delicacy of shad roe. She offers a recipe:
Allison and Larry Shad Roe
4 sets shad roe
Seasoned flour
Butter and olive oil
Anchovy paste
Heat butter and olive oil in a large, heavy frying pan until just smoking. (Cast iron is nice.)
Season a pile of flour to taste with salt and pepper. Dredge roe through the mixture and lay gently in hot pan. Keep heat medium-high to high. Cook 3-5 minutes per side, depending on size. The roe should be firm but pink in the middle.
While roe is cooking, mix anchovy paste (to taste) with softened butter.
Place each set of roe on a warmed plate. Place a dollop of anchovy butter on each set. It melts and puddles around the roe. Pass the rest of the anchovy butter.
Serves 4 really good friends.
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