Mediterranean Falafel-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Vinaigrette
This vibrant dish, inspired by a signature creation from the renowned Aquagrill, elevates classic salmon to new heights. The salmon fillets are masterfully coated with a flavorful falafel crust made from chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, adding a delightful crunch and rich taste. Paired elegantly with creamy hummus and a refreshing tomato cucumber salad drizzled in a zesty lemon coriander vinaigrette, this dish promises to be a hit at any dinner table. Perfect for gatherings, it's also a great dish for those seeking kosher and gluten-free options. Any leftover falafel crust can be frozen for later use or applied to chicken for a tasty variation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumber
1 large (peeled, seeded and thinly sliced)
Plum Tomatoes
3 (peeled, seeded, and cut in thin wedges)
Salmon Fillets
4 (6-7 ounce) (boneless and skinless)
Vegetable Oil
2-3 teaspoons (for searing)
Chickpeas
1 cup (cooked and drained)
Russet Potato
1/2 medium (peeled and finely chopped (1/2 cup))
Flat Leaf Parsley
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
Leeks or Green Onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Butter
4 tablespoons (cut into pieces)
Dried Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
Ground Coriander
1 teaspoon
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon
Salt and Black Pepper
to taste
Tahini
1/4 cup
Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 cup
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (for hummus)
Garlic Cloves
2-3 (peeled)
Grated Lemon Zest
1/2 teaspoon
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon
Olive Oil
1/3 cup (for vinaigrette)
Instructions
1
1. For the falafel crust, combine the cooked chickpeas, finely chopped potato, parsley, leeks (or green onions), and butter in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped and mixed. Add breadcrumbs, ground coriander, and ground cumin, then pulse to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
2
2. Clean your food processor bowl, then prepare the hummus by adding the cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic cloves. Process until smooth, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer the hummus to a bowl, cover it, and chill until ready to serve.
3
3. Prepare the salad vinaigrette by combining lemon juice, olive oil, grated lemon zest, and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk until mixed, then season with salt and pepper. Add the sliced cucumber and tomato, tossing well to combine. Chill until needed.
4
4. Preheat your broiler and adjust the oven rack to 4 to 6 inches from the heating element. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In a heavy, preferably nonstick, ovenproof skillet, heat vegetable oil until shimmering. Add salmon, searing for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until browned.
5
5. Spoon the falafel crust mixture generously over the top of each salmon fillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated broiler, cooking until the crust is bubbly and golden, about 2 minutes for medium doneness and 3 to 4 minutes for well done. If the crust browns too quickly, turn off the broiler, close the oven door, and let the salmon continue cooking in residual heat for a minute or two.
6
6. To serve, place several spoonfuls of hummus on the center of each plate, arrange the tomato and cucumber salad around the edges, and gently place the falafel-crusted salmon fillets on top. Enjoy immediately for maximum flavor and freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Falafel-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Vinaigrette?
It is a vibrant dish featuring salmon fillets coated in a crunchy chickpea-based crust, served alongside homemade hummus and a tomato cucumber salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
What inspired this specific salmon recipe?
This dish is inspired by a signature creation from the renowned restaurant Aquagrill.
What ingredients are used to make the falafel crust?
The crust consists of cooked chickpeas, finely chopped Russet potato, parsley, leeks or green onions, butter, breadcrumbs, ground coriander, and ground cumin.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
The description notes it is a great dish for those seeking gluten-free options, though you should ensure your breadcrumbs are specifically gluten-free.
Is the Mediterranean Falafel-Crusted Salmon kosher?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be a great option for those seeking kosher meals.
How do I prepare the salmon fillets before cooking?
The 6-7 ounce boneless and skinless fillets should be seasoned with salt and pepper before searing.
How long should I sear the salmon?
Sear the salmon in a hot skillet with vegetable oil for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until browned.
What is the recommended cooking time for the falafel crust under the broiler?
Broil the salmon for about 2 minutes for medium doneness or 3 to 4 minutes for well done until the crust is bubbly and golden.
How far should the oven rack be from the broiler?
Adjust the oven rack so it is 4 to 6 inches away from the heating element.
What should I do if the falafel crust browns too quickly?
Turn off the broiler, close the oven door, and let the salmon finish cooking using the residual heat for a minute or two.
Can I make the hummus from scratch for this dish?
Yes, the recipe includes instructions to process cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic until smooth.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad is made with thinly sliced cucumber and plum tomato wedges.
How do I prepare the cucumber for the salad?
The cucumber should be peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced.
What are the components of the lemon vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is made by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, grated lemon zest, and sugar.
Can the falafel crust be used on other proteins?
Yes, any leftover crust mixture can be applied to chicken for a tasty variation.
Can I freeze the falafel crust?
Yes, the falafel crust mixture can be frozen for later use.
How do I plate this Mediterranean dish?
Place several spoonfuls of hummus in the center of the plate, arrange the salad around the edges, and place the salmon fillet on top.
What kind of potato is best for the crust?
A Russet potato is recommended, peeled and finely chopped to yield about 1/2 cup.
What type of oil is used for the vinaigrette?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for the lemon coriander vinaigrette.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the hummus?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 peeled garlic cloves.
Should the tomatoes be peeled for the salad?
Yes, the recipe specifies using peeled and seeded plum tomatoes cut into thin wedges.
What kind of parsley should I use?
Coarsely chopped flat leaf parsley is used for the falafel crust.
Can I substitute leeks with something else?
Yes, you can use chopped green onions as a substitute for leeks in the crust mixture.
How much butter is required for the falafel crust?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of butter, cut into pieces.
Is there sugar in the vinaigrette?
Yes, a small amount (1/2 teaspoon) of sugar is used to balance the acidity of the lemon.
What equipment is needed for the crust and hummus?
A food processor is needed to pulse the crust ingredients and to process the hummus until smooth.
How much lemon juice is used in the recipe?
A total of 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice is divided between the hummus and the vinaigrette.
What spices give the crust its falafel flavor?
Ground coriander and ground cumin provide the traditional falafel seasoning.
Can the hummus be prepared in advance?
Yes, the hummus should be transferred to a bowl, covered, and chilled until you are ready to serve.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed for 4 servings, using 4 salmon fillets.