Moroccan Style Salmon with Olives and Preserved Lemon
Try this Moroccan Style Salmon with Olives and Preserved Lemon recipe.
Try this Moroccan Style Salmon with Olives and Preserved Lemon recipe.
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1 preserved lemon
- 1 lb. fresh salmon fillet
- 4 tablespoons ras el hanout
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup of olives of your choice (i used a mix of cerignol manzanilla, and kalamata)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
- Carbohydrate 10.3635900015674 g
- Cholesterol 60.7670081 mg
- Fat 20.8921816994427 g
- Fiber 2.43097497358551 g
- Protein 26.8006371461405 g
- Saturated Fat 2.43669060673704 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (318g)
- Sodium 166.869221977243 mg
- Sugar 7.93261502798184 g
- Trans Fat 2.47274746089949 g
- Calories 326 calories
Step-by-step
- Sprinkle two tablespoons of Ras El Hanout onto the flesh side of the salmon fillet.
- Meanwhile, lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet. Set aside.
- Slice the olives in half (if already pitted). If they have pits, cut the fruit off of the pit. Set aside.
- Remove the pulp from the center of the preserved lemon and rinse under cool water. Divide the preserved lemon into its four quadrants, and slice each quadrant into thin strips. Set aside.
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or tajine. Saute the diced onion until translucent. Remove the onions and set aside.
- Heat the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil in the same skillet or tajine over high heat until very hot. Add the salmon fillet flesh side down. If the salmon fillet is too long to fit within the pan, you can cut it in half to fit. Cook for several minutes, until the Ras El Hanout becomes toasted and fragrant, and a crust forms.
- Invert the salmon fillet(s) so they are skin side down. Return the onions to the pan and the remaining two tablespoons of Ras El Hanout. Saute for several minutes until Ras El Hanout is fragrant and coats the sauted onion.
- Add the stock and water and bring to a simmer. Sprinkle the olives and preserved lemon slices on top of the salmon.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer until salmon is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- To Serve: Cut salmon into 4 ounce portions. Garnish with parsley and pine nuts, and serve over whole wheat couscous or brown rice.
A Taste of Morocco: My Simple Salmon Recipe
As a busy working mom, finding time for elaborate cooking can feel like an impossible feat. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present to-do list. But even amidst the chaos, I refuse to compromise on delicious, healthy meals. That's where this Moroccan-style salmon recipe comes in – it's a culinary escape to a sun-drenched market in Marrakech, all packed into a quick and satisfying dinner.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a vibrant fusion of flavors, yet surprisingly easy to execute, even on the busiest of evenings. The fragrant Ras el Hanout spice blend transports you to another world, its warm, earthy notes dancing alongside the bright citrus of preserved lemon and the salty brininess of olives. The salmon, cooked to flaky perfection, absorbs all the delicious flavors, creating a dish that’s both elegant and effortless. The whole process, from prep to plate, takes barely half an hour, leaving me with plenty of time to connect with my family without sacrificing a delicious and nourishing meal.
My inspiration for this dish comes from my travels. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Morocco, and the vibrant spices, fresh ingredients, and the incredible warmth of the people completely captivated me. The bustling markets overflowing with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and colorful produce were a feast for the senses, igniting my passion for cooking even more. I vividly recall the delicious smells wafting from the street food stalls, a symphony of exotic aromas that forever imprinted themselves on my memory. This salmon recipe is my attempt to recreate a little bit of that magic in my own kitchen.
The ingredients are readily available at most supermarkets, eliminating any need for a special trip to an exotic spice shop. Fresh salmon, readily available in most supermarkets, forms the heart of the dish. The other ingredients are equally accessible and versatile, allowing you to adapt the recipe to suit your preferences. For instance, I often experiment with different types of olives – Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or even a mix – each offering a unique flavor profile. The preserved lemon provides a surprisingly refreshing tang, cutting through the richness of the salmon and enhancing the overall taste. And let’s not forget the Ras el Hanout – a Moroccan spice blend so deeply fragrant, its mere presence in the kitchen instantly conjures up images of sun-drenched souks and ancient medinas.
This dish is incredibly versatile. It's perfect served with fluffy couscous or brown rice, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Sometimes, when I'm feeling a little extra adventurous, I'll add a side of roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or zucchini, to further enhance the flavors. And for an elegant touch, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and fresh herbs. But even without those additions, the recipe itself is satisfying and flavourful enough.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this Moroccan-style salmon recipe embodies my approach to cooking and life: it's about balance and intention. Finding time for meaningful meals amidst a busy schedule is crucial. This isn't just about sustenance; it's about creating space for connection and enjoyment. This dish, so readily assembled, allows me to focus on savoring the meal and the company of my loved ones, a small moment of serenity in a generally quite hectic schedule. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of everyday life's demands, creating something beautiful and delicious can be simple and surprisingly fulfilling.
So, if you're looking for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious recipe that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant souks of Morocco, give this salmon dish a try. It's a culinary adventure that requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor and satisfaction. And who knows, it might even inspire you to plan your own Moroccan adventure one day!
