Mint.
freshness.
how appropriate. i Just moved to a new neighborhood & started a new work assignment in downtown los angeles. New apartment, new kitchen, new view from the kitchen sink window... new a lot of things!
My roomate and I, yes that too, new roomate, who I am fast becoming friends with, prepared this recipe and it was delicious!
There were a couple of new things done to give a classic "salmon" meal MORE flavor.
First, instead of just broiling or grilling, it was "fast broiled" in a cast iron skillet. You heat the cast iron skillet in the oven, without the salmon. take out the skillet ten minutes later once it is really hot and put the salmon steaks on it. it sears it very nicely! then you place it in the oven to broil, and only takes a few minutes. This cooking technique really allows it to be juicy and not overcooked on the inside, and slightly seared on the outside for great flavor!
The one other thing was different was adding mint in the salsa used to top the salmon. it gave it a slight hint of a new flavor.
so refreshing.
i loved it.
to accompany the salmon I blanched asparagus (meaning i put them in hot boiling water to slightly soften but not fully "cook" or the get too mushy. once blanched, I quick sauteed in a pan with a tad bit of natural unsalted butter, seasoning with Celtic sea salt ( better for you with a greater concentration of minerals the body needs :) and pepper.
while i prepared the salmon and asparagus, My roommate made the mint salsa. The ingredients included everything traditionally used in a "pico de gallo" salsa but with fresh mint which added that little something different to make it a unique experience. I'd def do this again, really a fun (and like i said before refreshing!) burst of flavor.
when things are new, or even slightly different, our senses are heightened. taste, sight, smell, touch, sounds. we pay attention to more tiny details because we're not on auto pilot. Ive become very aware of this as i experience moving, changing work place....everything changes, the little things. a routine to a certain gym, the people you greet each morning, the kitchen you cook in and weather you reach up to a cupboard for spices, or below. the view out the kitchen as you do the dishes. the sounds that come in through your window as you fall asleep or wake up in the morning. each day there are so many little things that don't we sometimes forget to really enjoy and appreciate when it becomes a routine. taking the time to introduce new things in our life's. try new things, experience new things, truly enriches the living experience. Or even just taking the time to stop and notice the small things as we do the things we do on a daily basis and not overlook them. like those flowers right outside your front door, even if its the same front door you've been walking up to for the past 20 years coming home from work, the colors, how they grow, constantly changing, full of life.
a meal so rich! in flavor and in getting to know a beautiful new person that has been brought to my life.
...so throw a little mint in something every now in then.
welcome the new.
embrace.
enrich.
refresh.
-------------------------------------------------
RECIPE: Salmon with Mint Salsa
Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
* 1/1/2 lbs salmon filets, skin and bones removed,cut into 4 pieces
* 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
* salt and pepper
* Salsa
* 1 TBS finely chopped fresh mint
* 1 TBS finely chopped fresh cilantro
* 1 TBS finely minced scallion
* 1 tsp finely minced fresh ginger
* 1 medium ripe fresh tomato, seeds and excess pulp removed, diced into ¼-inch pieces
* 3 medium cloves garlic, pressed
* 2 TBS extra virgin olive oil
* 3TBS fresh lemon juice
* salt and white pepper to taste
Directions:
1. To Quick Broil salmon: Preheat broiler on high and place an all stainless steel skillet (be sure the handle is also stainless steel) or cast iron pan under the heat for about 10 minutes to get it very hot. The pan should be 5 to 7 inches from the heat source.
2. Chop garlic and let sit for 5-10 minutes to bring out its health-promoting properties.
3. Rub salmon with 2 tsp fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper. (You can Quick Broil with the skin on; it just takes a minute or two longer. The skin will peel right off after cooking.)
4. When pan is hot, use a hot pad to pull out the pan from the heat and place salmon on it, skin side down. Return to broiler. Keep in mind that it is cooking rapidly on both sides so it will be done very quickly (usually about 7 minutes for every inch of thickness). Salmon does not need to be turned. Test with a fork for doneness. It will flake easily when it is cooked. Salmon is best when it is still pink inside.
5. Mix together salsa ingredients in a bowl, and set aside. Serve on top of Quick Broiled salmon.
Serves 4
