Pan-Cooked Salmon Fillets with Lentils

Prepare to savor the delightful combination of salmon and green lentils in this wholesome and satisfying dish. This recipe strikes a perfect balance between tender and nutty lentils, succulent salmon fillets, and a medley of vegetables and herbs. The resulting harmony of flavors and textures makes it an ideal choice for a hearty and nutritious meal.

Salmon, a popular and nutrient-rich seafood, pairs exquisitely with green lentils, known for their earthy and slightly nutty taste. The lentils are cooked to a delightful texture, neither too soft nor too firm, offering a pleasant contrast to the tender salmon.

This dish is versatile enough to allow for variations with other seafood like trout, shrimp, or scallops, accommodating your personal preferences or what’s readily available in your pantry.

A combination of vegetables, herbs, and extra virgin olive oil add depth and richness to the lentils, creating a nourishing bed for the salmon fillets. The cast-iron skillet ensures the salmon develops a beautiful golden crust, elevating the presentation and flavor.

With its balanced blend of flavors and the comforting wholesomeness of lentils and salmon, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: About 1 hour

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 to 3 cups dried green lentils, washed and picked over
• 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1 small potato, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• A few sprigs each fresh parsley and thyme, a bay leaf, and a few chives, tied in cheesecloth for easy removal, or about 1 1/2 teaspoons mixed dried herbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Four 6-ounce salmon fillets
• Chopped fresh parsley leaves or chives for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large, deep saucepan, cover the green lentils with water and cook over medium heat until they start to soften, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Add the carrots, potato, onion, garlic, and the bundle of fresh herbs (or dried herbs) to the lentils.
2. Continue cooking the lentils and vegetables, ensuring they remain moist by adding water if necessary. Cook until the lentils and vegetables reach a tender and nutty texture, which should take approximately 35 to 45 minutes in total. Remove the bundle of fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the extra virgin olive oil and keep the lentils warm.
3. Preheat a large skillet, preferably cast-iron, over high heat for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle salt on the skillet’s bottom and then add the salmon fillets, skin side down. Cook the salmon over high heat until the skin side turns well-browned, approximately 5 minutes. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 1 minute (or longer if you prefer your salmon well-done).
4. To serve, place about 1 cup of the flavorful lentils at the center of each of the 4 serving plates. Top each serving with a salmon fillet, allowing the flavors to mingle delightfully. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley leaves or chives for a vibrant finishing touch.

With its delectable combination of salmon, tender green lentils, and a bouquet of herbs, this Salmon with Green Lentils recipe promises to be a hearty and satisfying culinary experience. Embrace the wholesome and flavorful allure of this dish, and enjoy a truly delightful dining moment.