Seared Salmon With Confetti Chickpeas Recipes

SEARED SALMON WITH CITRUS AND ARUGULA SALAD

Steps:

• Make the glaze for the salmon: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons olive oil with the orange juice, mustard, half the chopped garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
• Make the salad dressing: In another small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil with the lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir in the shallots and the remaining garlic, then set aside.
• Using a small serrated knife, peel the grapefruit and oranges and trim to remove any remaining pith. Slice all the peeled fruit crosswise into thin circles (no larger than 1/2-inch thick); remove the seeds and set aside.
• Heat a 12-inch cast-iron or heavy stainless-steel skillet over medium-high until it's extremely hot (a drop of water flicked onto the pan should turn to steam almost immediately), about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels, brush both sides with olive oil, and season all over with salt and pepper.
• When the pan is ready, cook the salmon fillets skin-side down over medium-high without moving until the salmon skin releases easily from the pan, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a pair of tongs or a spatula, wiggle the fillets to loosen the skin from the bottom of the pan, then carefully flip. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the salmon is cooked through but still slightly rare in the center, 4 to 5 more minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
• Transfer to a rimmed plate or serving dish, and brush the glaze all over the salmon, making sure to coat the fillets.
• Combine the arugula and fennel in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Add the avocado, citrus rounds and pistachios, and toss gently. Transfer to a shallow serving bowl or platter and serve alongside the salmon.

SEARED SALMON WITH SPICY RED PEPPER AIOLI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• For the aioli, chop the garlic and chipotle pepper together on a cutting board to make a coarse paste. Place the paste in a food processor, add the lime juice and roasted red peppers, and purée. Add the mayonnaise, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and process until smooth. Set aside.
• For the salmon, place a large (12-inch), dry cast-iron skillet over high heat for 5 minutes. Place the salmon fillets on a board, pat dry with paper towels, and rub all over with olive oil. With the fillets rounded side up, sprinkle them with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper.
• Place the salmon in the skillet rounded side down and cook over medium-high heat for exactly 2 minutes without moving! Using a large metal spatula, turn the fillets rounded side up and place the skillet in the oven. Roast for 3 to 4 minutes, until the centers are rare. Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and allow the salmon to rest for 3 to 4 minutes for medium-rare or 5 minutes for medium. Serve the salmon hot with the aioli and a wedge of lime for squeezing.

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.