Braised Lentils Seared Salmon Natural Pan Jus Recipes

PAN SEARED SALMON WITH BRAISED LENTILS

Steps:

• Melt 1 T butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chard stems and onion and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes, Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Stir in 1-3/4 cup of the broth, lentils and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the lentils are tender, taste, transfer to a bowl and cover to keep warm.
• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Wipe out the skillet with paper towels, and add the oil, and return to medium high heat until just smoking. Carefully lay the fillets in the skillet, skinned side up, and cook until well browned on the first side, about 5 minutes. Flip the fillets and continue to cook until the sides are opaque, about 3 - 5 minutes longer. Transfer the fillets to a plate, tent loosley with foil, and let rest while finishing the lentils.
• In the skillet, add the lentils and remaining 1/4 cup broth and cook until hot, about 1 minute. Stir in the chard leaves and remaining 1 T butter and cook, stirring constantly, until the chard is wilted, 2 - 3 minues.
• To serve: lay the lentils on the plate and top with the salmon. Sprinkle with lemon wedges.

BRAISED LENTILS, SEARED SALMON, NATURAL PAN JUS

Steps:

• Ideally, start with a head-on, whole gutted fish (freshest) -- remove the filets from the spine and ribs, then using pliers, remove the pin bones; alternately, start with two very fresh filets.
• Note: prep time listed below is starting with salmon filets -- if you filet your own fish, add 10 min (experienced).
• Cut the filets crosswise into 1 inch wide slices, then season with salt and pepper.
• Add enough olive oil to coat the pan, heat the saute pan on High (until oil is smoking), then add the seasoned salmon, flesh side down to color and create a little crust, BUT remove while still rare (cook for 2-3 min) and let rest.
• Wipe the oil out of the pan; add enough fresh olive oil to coat the pan (2-3 Tbs) and add the butter.
• Pu the heat under the pan to medium and once the oil & butter mix is hot, add the diced mirepoix (carrot, parsnip, celery, leek), cook until translucent (7-10 min). At this poiint, season with salt & pepper.
• Add the lentils to the vegetables. Add water to about 1 inch above the lentil/vegetable mix.
• NOTE: DO NOT add salt at this point -- it will harden the skin of the lentils!
• As the water softens the lentils, add the veal stock (if you don't have red wine veal stock, can use veal stock, chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water), then the herbs (thyme, rosemary).
• Lentils should be tender in 10-12 minutes (this will vary with your stove and pan, so taste until they are "al dente").
• Remove the lentils with a slotted spoon, then add the frisee and toss in the pan jus.
• To serve, plate the frisee in the center of the plate, put 2-3 pieces of salmon on top, then surround the frisee with the lentils; pour any remaining pan jus over the lentils.
• Can be served warm for an entree or room temperature as a salad.