Frederic Melton
Salmon and spinach is a flavour combination that is not only delicious but also offers a range of health benefits. A simple way to elevate this dish is to add cheese, creating a creamy texture and a rich flavour. This can be done in a number of ways, such as stuffing the salmon with a cream cheese and spinach mixture, or by swirling the cheese through the spinach. The salmon can be cooked in a pan or in the oven, with the option to leave the skin on or remove it. The skin can add flavour and nutrients, as well as help to hold the salmon together.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Mediterranean, American |
| Main Ingredients | Salmon, Spinach, Cheese |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Lemon, Herbs, Coconut Milk, Cream, Milk, Boursin Cheese, Green Onions, Shallots, Red Pepper Flakes, Parsley, Chives, Spring Onions, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Artichokes, Capers, Feta, Parsley, Chives, Sour Cream, Greek Yogurt, Peaches, Cornbread, Garlic Powder, Red Wine Vinegar, White Wine, Baby Spinach, Cottage Cheese, White Rice, Brown Rice, Lemon Herb Butter, White Pepper, Citrus Garlic Seasoning, Cream Cheese, Garlic Cloves, Red Pepper |
| Cookware | Skillet, Baking Sheet, Oven |
| Cooking Techniques | Pan-frying, Baking, Stuffing |
| Cooking Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Temperature | 425 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Nutrition | High in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, vitamins, minerals |
| Diet | Gluten-free, Low-carb |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the salmon
To prepare the salmon, start by patting the salmon fillets dry on both sides with a paper towel. Then, season the fillets with salt and pepper. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can season the salmon with white pepper and citrus garlic seasoning.
Next, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets into the pan, flesh side down (skin side up). Cook the salmon for 2-3 minutes until the flesh is opaque about halfway up the sides. Then, gently flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking. You can also cook the salmon with the skin side down first, which will give the salmon a crispier texture. Cooking the salmon with the skin on can help to prevent overcooking and makes it easier to stuff if you are making a stuffed salmon dish.
Once the salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. If you prefer to eat your salmon without the skin, you can peel it away and discard it at this point.
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Cooking the salmon
To cook the salmon, first, pat the salmon fillets dry on both sides with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Next, heat butter or olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon, flesh side down (skin side up).
Cook the salmon undisturbed for about 2-5 minutes. Then, gently flip the salmon and cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of about 120 degrees F for medium-rare.
If you prefer to bake your salmon, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Make a pocket in each 6 oz salmon fillet by making a small cut in the center, being careful not to cut all the way through. Place the fillets on a baking sheet and stuff them with your chosen filling, such as a spinach and cream cheese mixture. Drizzle the salmon with oil or melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the recipe and the thickness of the salmon fillets, until the salmon is cooked through.
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Making the sauce
To make the sauce for your salmon swirl with cheese and spinach, you will need a combination of dairy, aromatics, and spices. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add aromatics such as chopped shallots or onions and garlic. Sauté these ingredients until they become fragrant and softened, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Next, add your dairy. For a richer sauce, use a combination of cream and milk, along with cream cheese or cottage cheese. You can also substitute with cream cheese alternatives such as feta or sour cream. Stir in some Boursin cheese, which can be found in the deli section of most grocery stores. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Continue stirring the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. You can add some grated Parmesan cheese at this point, but be sure to grate it freshly for the smoothest sauce. Bring the sauce to a low simmer, and cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened. You want it thick enough that a spoon or spatula leaves tracks in the pan.
Finally, add spinach to the sauce. Toss the spinach with tongs until it is evenly coated in the sauce and wilted. You can also add some chopped herbs such as parsley and chives, and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Continue cooking until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Your salmon swirl with cheese and spinach sauce is now ready to be served! Simply plate your salmon and spoon the sauce over the top, garnishing with more chopped herbs if desired.
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Cooking the spinach
Preparing the Spinach
Rinse your spinach leaves and set them aside to dry. If you are using baby spinach, you can skip this step. If you prefer to use other greens such as kale or Swiss chard, be sure to sauté them until tender before adding them to your dish.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a generous amount of spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach begins to wilt. This process should only take a few minutes. If you are making a stuffed salmon dish, you will want to create a spinach mixture by adding other ingredients, such as garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, to the skillet and cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
Combining Spinach with Cheese
Once your spinach is wilted, it is time to add the cheese. For a creamy dish, use cream cheese, stirring it into the spinach until melted and well combined. You can also add other cheeses, such as crumbled feta or freshly grated Parmesan, for extra flavour. Continue tossing the spinach until it is evenly coated in cheese and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Baking or Broiling the Spinach
If you are making a stuffed salmon dish, you will now stuff the spinach and cheese mixture into the pockets you have created in your salmon fillets. Drizzle the stuffed salmon with oil or melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper before baking. For a crispy topping, you can broil the salmon for a few minutes after baking.
Serving the Spinach
Whether you have cooked your spinach alongside salmon or stuffed inside, it is now ready to be served. Spoon the spinach alongside the salmon or over it, ensuring a generous helping on each plate. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious salmon swirl with cheese and spinach!
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Serving the dish
When it comes to serving this delicious salmon swirl with cheese and spinach, there are several ways to go about it. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Plating the Dish
Firstly, you will want to divide the cooked spinach evenly among the plates. You can place the spinach directly onto the plates or create a bed of vegetables for the salmon to rest on. If you prefer a bed of vegetables, try sautéed sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, artichokes, and capers.
Adding the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets on top of the spinach or bed of vegetables. If you have cooked the salmon with the skin on, you can choose to leave it on or remove it before plating. Some people prefer to keep the skin on as it adds flavour and texture, while others prefer to take it off.
Spoon Over the Sauce
Next, spoon the creamy sauce over the salmon and spinach. This sauce is typically made with a combination of cream, milk, and cheese, such as Boursin, cream cheese, or cottage cheese. You can also add freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce or sprinkle it on top for an extra cheesy touch.
Garnishing
Finally, you can garnish the dish with chopped green onions or scallions. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice is also a great way to add a tangy twist to the dish.
Accompaniments
This salmon swirl with cheese and spinach can be served with a variety of sides. For a gluten-free option, roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans pair well. If you're craving some carbs, pasta such as angel hair, spaghetti, or penne is a great choice. Alternatively, a slice of crusty bread can be used to soak up the extra sauce.
Wine Pairing
As for wine, a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay is a perfect match for this rich and creamy salmon dish.
There you have it! A beautifully presented and flavourful salmon swirl with cheese and spinach dish, ready to be enjoyed.
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