Crisp Atlantic Salmon On Lentils With Moroccan Spiced Tomato Sauce With Harissa Served With Tzatziki And Grilled Nan Bread Recipes

CRISP ATLANTIC SALMON FILLET ON MIXED LENTILS WITH MOROCCAN SPICED TOMATO SAUCE WITH HARISSA

Steps:

• Toast the above in a preheated 350 degree oven for five minutes (or on the stove over medium heat). Grind the mixture in a spice or coffee grinder. Keep in a glass jar, covered tightly. Makes enough for at least 12 7-ounce fillets. Will hold its flavor for 4 weeks. Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat, add the shallots and garlic, and season. Saute until the vegetables are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the harissa and stir. Cook for 3-5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and 4 tablespoons of the spice blend, or to taste. Working in batches, puree the mixture in a food processor, until the liquid is smooth. Set aside until ready to use. Makes enough for at least twelve fillets. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring two saute pans to high heat, add the olive oil, and when hot, add salmon fillets, skin-side down (do not crowd pan). Shake pans to be sure the fillets are not sticking. Add the butter little bits at a time, shaking the pan to incorporate the butter into the oil. Place pan in oven for 4-5 minutes to roast. To prepare the lentils: Use a blend of yellow and green lentils, and simply follow the preparation directions on the package. Prepare 3/4 to 1 cup of lentils per serving. To serve, mound lentils in center of plate. Place salmon fillet on top, skin side up. Surround with sauce.

MOROCCAN SPICED SALMON OVER LENTILS

Steps:

• Spice Mixture: Combine all the ingredients for the spice mix then set aside to be used later.
• Place the lentils in a medium saucepan & cover with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer. Cook until the lentils are tender, about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain any remaining water then season with salt and pepper and set aside, covered.
• While the lentils are cooking, warm olive oil over medium-low heat in a medium-sized saucepan. Cook the garlic and onions in the oil until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the harissa and 1 tablespoon of the spice mixture and continue to cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
• Increase the heat to medium then add the tomatoes and their juices. Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well blended, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking pan with cooking spray & set aside. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper then coat them on both sides with the remaining spice mixture.
• Heat the canola oil & the butter in a large skillet. When the oil is very hot, add 2 salmon fillets to the pan, skin side down. Saute the salmon fillets for 3 minutes (do not turn over). Repeat with the other 2 fillets.
• Carefully transfer the fillets to the baking sheet & roast the salmon for about 6-10 minutes, or until the skin is very crisp and the fish is just cooked through.
• Spoon the lentils into the center of warmed dinner plates and set the salmon fillets on top, skin side down. Spoon the tomato sauce around the lentils and serve at once.