Artichoke Crusted Salmon With Mint Vinaigrette Recipes

PAN-SEARED SALMON WITH ARTICHOKES AND WHITE WINE

Steps:

• In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets evenly with the salt and place each fillet flesh-side down in the hot skillet. Cook until deep golden brown, about 3 minutes. Sear the sides of the fillets for 1 minute on each side. Using a fish spatula, flip the fillets so the skin side is down and cook an additional 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and the oregano sprigs to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Baste the salmon fillets with the infused butter for 1 minute. Remove the salmon and oregano sprigs to a plate to rest.
• In the same skillet over medium heat, add the artichoke hearts and shallots. Cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the shallots are softened and the artichokes are beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Add the chopped oregano and tomatoes and stir to combine. Deglaze the skillet with the white wine and allow the wine to cook down until reduced by half. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and the spinach. Cook until the spinach is just barely wilted. Spoon the vegetables onto a platter and top with the rested salmon. Spoon any remaining sauce over the fish and serve.

ARTICHOKE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Trim the sharp tips of the outside artichoke leaves with a sharp knife. Cut off the top of the artichoke about 1-inch and remove the stem so that the bottom is flat. Wash the artichoke in cold water and rub all cut surfaces with some of the fresh lemon juice and pulp.
• (A round slice of lemon may be tied to the bottom of the artichoke to prevent oxidation of the base.)
• Bring water to a boil, add the salt and the remaining pieces of the lemon, rind and all, and place the artichokes base down. Cover the pot and bring the water to the boil again before lowering the heat to a simmer. Cook the artichoke at a steady simmer for 35 to 45 minutes or until a leaf pulls easily free from the center. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the water, remove cool to room temperature. When cool some of the cooking juices may be drizzled over the top of the artichokes.
• In a stainless steel bowl combine the vinegar, mustard, herbs, salt and pepper and whisk to emulsify. Add the oil in a small steady stream until all the oil has been incorporated and the dressing has achieved a silky, smooth texture. The dressing may be stored, covered, for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, but should be brought to room temperature before using.
• Serve the artichoke with some vinaigrette on the side as a dip for each leaf or drizzled over the heart.

GRILLED SALMON WITH BASIL AND MINT

Steps:

• Prepare grill for cooking. If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill, then light charcoal. Charcoal fire is medium-hot when you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds. If using a gas grill, preheat burners on high, covered, 10 minutes.
• Brush both sides of citrus slices with 1/2 tablespoon oil, then brush fish all over with 1 tablespoon oil and season with sea salt and pepper.
• Grill citrus slices, covered only if using a gas grill, on lightly oiled grill rack, turning over once, until grill marks appear, 2 to 3 minutes total. Transfer citrus slices to a plate, then, if using a gas grill, reduce heat to moderate. Grill fish, skin sides down, covered only if using a gas grill, until skin is crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn each piece of fish onto 1 side and grill 1 minute. Turn over onto opposite side and grill until fish is just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer fish to a platter and keep warm, covered loosely with foil.
• Heat basil and mint in remaining 1/4 cup oil in a heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring, until herbs are just wilted, about 1 minute.
• Serve fish with herbed oil and top with citrus slices.

HERB CRUSTED SALMON AND ARTICHOKES SAUTEED IN HERB-INFUSED BUTTER

Steps:

• For the salmon: Oil the bottom of a casserole dish. Place salmon in dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Chop and combine the following in a bowl: shallots, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, chile, lemon juice, olive oil. Cover salmon with mixture, and place in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a fork pulls out smoothly from thickest part of the salmon.
• For the artichokes sauteed in herb infused butter: In a large skillet over medium high heat, add butter and oil. Saute onions, garlic, chile, herbs, reduce heat, making sure garlic doesn't burn. Once oil is infused, place artichoke, heart side down, into oil. Saute for a few minutes, and then add enough water to steam them. Cover and reduce heat. Steam artichokes gently for up to 2 hours, or until flesh removes from leaves easily. More water will need to be added to the pan periodically. Serve with lemon-garlic-butter for dipping.