Food with JP passion: Spiced Salmon

It’s hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone and we are all at the start of yet another New Year.

I don’t know about everybody else but at this time of year I always crave fresher, lighter and less rich meals for a period of time after all of the over indulgence during the festive period.

I also love trying new recipes in January usually inspired from the stash of new cookbooks I will have received as gifts at Christmas.

I tried this dish a few days after Christmas when I was craving something new and lighter.

This is such a simple, quick and delicious dish that’s inspired by a recipe in Donal Skehan’s new book called ‘Every Day Cook’.

It’s so good I have made it twice since and it already has become one of my go to quick fix suppers.

The other great things about this dish is it’s easily scaled up to feed a crowd or scaled back if you are just cooking for two or less.

My version of this recipe serves 2 but just add one additional measure of the ingredients for each additional person you are catering for.

Ingredients:

• 2 Salmon Fillet darns (smoked or unsmoked – preferably with skin removed)
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• Good pinch of cayenne pepper

Method

• In a bowl mix together the maple syrup and spices together until well combined and spread evenly all over the salmon fillets.
• Pop into the fridge and leave to marinade for at least two hours or overnight if you can.
• Preheat your oven to 180 degrees / Gas Mark 4.
• Place the salmon fillets onto a oven proof tray or dish lined with tinfoil or parchment paper.
• Pop into the oven to cook for 15 minutes.

This is a great little recipe for all year round as during the winter months it can be served with champ mash and a medley of steamed vegetables or during the warmer months with salsa and a crunchy salad.

As its winter now I’ve made it with the aforementioned above but I will look forward to serving it during the warmer months too with salads, rice and salsa.

There’s a smoky sweetness the marinade gives the coral pink salmon that adds real depth of flavour to what can be a bland fish and the good news is this is a really healthy recipe that does not compromise on flavour.

So, it’s time for us all to get back on track with some healthier eating and this dish is just perfect for that. Happy New Year everyone!