Poached Salmon and Leeks
A Favourite Fish Dinner
Fish has never been a favourite food of mine mainly because of the less than happy memories of boiled cod every Friday in my childhood.
It took me a while to find out about salmon. What a happy discovery! Now I have salmon at least once a week. Even people who aren't fond of fish like salmon.
Are you eating one or two fish-based meals each week as recommended for health? Lots of us are missing out, perhaps in the mistaken belief that fish is difficult to prepare
Salmon isn't hard to cook, far from it. Salmon is the super-easy super-food.
Super Food Salmon
Salmon is low in calories and saturated fat, yet high in protein, with the health-promoting omega-3 essential fatty acids.
Cook Time
Prep Time: 5
Total Time: 20
Serves: 2
Ingredients
- salmon fillet cut into 4 pieces
- 2 medium leeks
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup vegetable stock
- 3/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
- 1. Cut off green tops and roots of leeks and remove tough outer leaves. Cut in half lengthwise. Rinse well . Cut leeks into 2 inch lengths.
- 2. Peel garlic cloves and press them a little. Let the cloves of garlic sit for 5 mins
- 3. Heat the stock in a pan, add leeks and saute over medium heat, stirring for about 5 mins, Add garlic and lemon juice, simmer a further 5 mins covered, stirring occasionally.
- 4. Squeeze more lemon juice over the salmon pieces, sprinkle a little white pepper
- 5. Place salmon on top of leeks. Simmer for about 3-4 mins covered, or until salmon is pink inside.
- 6. Turn onto plate.. While the salmon is still warm,garnish with a little fresh tarragon or dill
Essential fatty acids are, as the name implies, essential for human health. We can't make them ourselves so have to get them elsewhere. Salmon is a good place to start.
Salmon Cookery Books
Leeks are Luscious
I'm told that the French call leeks the asparagus of the poor. Perhaps they do.The leek is certainly mild enough, blending well with stronger tasting ingredients.
The green bits you can discard, they're fibrous, tough and unpleasant to eat.
Chop off the root and the green parts. Wash thoroughly
Leeks are a good source of fibre, and packed with vitamins and minerals, especially potassium. , For good all round health - have a leek (or 5) a week.
Super Salmon
Click thumbnail to view full-size
How about you?
How often do you eat salmon?
© 2011 Susanna Duffy
