Season’s Eatings: Salmon Glazed with Sweet Tomato and Ricotta Pesto Sauce

 

Ladies and gentlemen, for all those in the battle to lose weight, I have another simple and healthy meal idea which can be ready in 20 minutes: meal with salmon glazed with a uniquely sweet pesto blend.

It is quite simple and seasonal. Loads of asparagus are up for grabs and it is best to eat them while you still can. What I had in mind was simple pan fried salmon, asparagus and sweet potato. The natural flavours of the sweet potato and salmon do not need much to enhance them, and these ingredients are what makes this dish so quick, simple and satisfying both visually as well as in the eating.

For dinner for 3, I quartered 3 sweet potatoes and rubbed 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sea salt flakes into them. I then threw them into the oven at 180 degrees (fan). Then I pan seared the asparagus in a little sesame oil and seasoned with sea salt, simple.

For the salmon, I simply pan seared. I had it in mind to make that sweet salmon sauce as in this post but I had no mustard. This is the sauce I made instead.

Recipe
1 lemon
2 small oranges
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 clove of garlic
2 tablepoons of pesto

Method
1. Begin by pan searing the salmon (I also accidentally bought trout and cooked it alongside the salmon). Start with the skin side down and turn over when browned. This should only take 2 minutes per side.
2. In the meantime squeeze the juices of the lemon and oranges. Add the honey, ginger, garlic and pesto. Whisk these together.
3. By this time you will have fried 3 sides of the salmon pieces. Flip over to the last side and pour over the sauce. Allow to bubble and reduce for a minute, then the dish is ready to serve.

And there you have it! Now assemble this simple dish like your inner masterchef wants to. Lay the quintessentially British asparagus spears out neatly and arrange the roasted sweet potato wedges as artisically as you can. Carefully place the salmon into the plate, taking care not to crush their delicate structures.

Next, spoon over just 2 tablespoons each of the sweet tomato and ricotta pesto glaze. Throw in an action shot whilst you do it. Why not? Now serve this 20 minute dish and wow your family.

Bon appétit!