Master Method for Flawless Salmon Cooking Each Time
Get Ready for a Tasty Twist:
Cherish the arrival of farmer's market season with dishes that pack a punch, like this delectable Swiss chard-wrapped salmon recipe! This dish, reminiscent of Grandma's cabbage rolls, features Swiss chard, center-cut salmon pieces, and can be served over velvety polenta or creamy grits.
Struggling with an excess of Swiss chard? This recipe is a lifesaver! Not only does it help you make use of your overflowing greens, but it showcases the earthy flavor of Swiss chard, which pairs wonderfully with the rich, oily flavors of salmon.
Crafting Chard-Wrapped Salmon: Steps and Tips
Selecting Your Ingredients:- Opt for center-cut pieces of salmon for even cooking.- A "shallow poaching" technique makes this dish splendid - the fish cooks gently while the broth maintains its concentrated flavor.
Preparing Your Chard:- Blanch your Swiss chard leaves (8-12 large ones, depending on size) to soften and make them easier to roll.
Crafting the Tomato Sauce:- Dice 2 large onions and mince 4 cloves of garlic, then sauté them in 1 tbsp of olive oil.- Add 2 large cans of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup of broth, 1 tsp each of dried oregano and basil, a hint of paprika (if desired), and seasonings to taste.- Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly.
Assembling and Cooking Your Dish:- Wrap each salmon fillet (4 center-cut pieces about 6 oz each) in a Swiss chard leaf.- Gently laze these in the tomato sauce and let them cook for about 10-12 minutes.
Why It's So Delicious:
- Wrapping salmon in Swiss chard allows it to cook by steaming gently, resulting in a perfectly poached, flavorful piece of fish.
- By incorporating the Swiss chard as part of the cooking process, it seals in moisture and complements the flavors of the tomatoey broth and salmon.
This entrée delights the taste buds with its blend of earthy Swiss chard, rich salmon, and tangy tomato sauce, all resting upon creamy polenta or grits. Serve it up, sit back, and savor every bite!
A Few Extra Tips:
- Blanching Swiss Chard: Blanching removes some bitterness and makes it easier to roll.
- Cooking the Salmon: Ensure proper cooking, but avoid overcooking - use a fork to check for flakiness.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme can add extra flavor when used as garnish or added to the tomato sauce.
- Southern Living features a Swiss chard-wrapped salmon recipe, perfect for farmer's market season, that echoes the flavors of Grandma's cabbage rolls, served over polenta or grits.
- Follow these steps to craft the chard-wrapped salmon: select center-cut salmon pieces, blanch the Swiss chard leaves, simmer a flavorful tomato sauce, and assemble the dish.
- This entrée boasts the earthy Swiss chard, rich salmon, and tangy tomato sauce, all enveloped by Swiss chard leaves and cooked in a tomatoey broth, making it a delightful choice for food and recipes lovers.
- Incorporating the Swiss chard as part of the cooking process helps seal in moisture, thereby complementing the flavors of the tomato sauce and salmon.
- For a truly mouthwatering experience, consider blanching the Swiss chard for easier rolling, cook the salmon carefully to achieve desired doneness, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme if desired.
