Salmon Chops With Celery And Black Truffles Recipes

PAN-SEARED SALMON WITH CELERY, OLIVES AND CAPERS

Steps:

• Cover the currants with boiling water and set aside to soak for 20 minutes. In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of boiling water with the saffron and also leave for 20 minutes or longer.
• Gently rub the salmon fillets with 2 teaspoons of the oil, 1/3 teaspoon of salt and a good grind of pepper. Set aside while you make the relish.
• Add 1/3 cup/75 milliliters of olive oil to a large sauté pan over high heat. Add the celery and pine nuts and fry for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the nuts begin to brown (watch carefully as they can burn quickly). Turn off heat and stir in the capers and their brine, the olives, saffron and its water and a pinch of salt. Drain the currants and add them as well, along with the parsley, lemon zest and juice. Mix well and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add salmon fillets skin-side down and let cook for 3 minutes, until the skin is crisp. Reduce the heat to medium, flip the fillets over and cook 2 to 4 minutes more (depending on how much you like the salmon to be cooked).
• Divide the salmon on 4 plates and serve with the warm relish spooned on top. Scatter reserved celery leaves (if using) and serve immediately.

"CRACKLING" SALMON WITH TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Reserve 8 of the best-looking truffle slices.
• Butterfly each salmon piece horizontally with a sharp knife. Arrange 1 layer of truffle slices on bottom halves and replace tops to cover truffles. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.
• Spread a kitchen towel on a work surface and fill a large bowl with warm water. Soak 1 rice-paper round (make sure there are no holes) in warm water until pliable, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, then transfer to towel. Arrange 1 chive and 1 reserved truffle slice in center of round and top with 1 salmon piece, rounded side down. Fold rice paper over short sides of salmon, then over long sides to enclose salmon, trimming excess with scissors if necessary. (Truffle slice and chive will show through.) Transfer, seam sides down, to a tray and keep covered with plastic wrap. Wrap and cover remaining salmon in same manner.
• Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté 4 salmon packages, seam sides up, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Turn salmon over and reduce heat to moderate. Cook until sides of salmon are firm to the touch, 4 to 6 minutes more, then transfer with a spatula to plates. Cook remaining salmon in same manner.
• Lightly brush with some truffle oil.