Savory Braised Salmon with Leeks and Fresh Dill
Elevate your dinner table with this delightful Savory Braised Salmon with Leeks and Fresh Dill. This dish combines the subtle sweetness of braised leeks, the aromatic touch of garlic, and the refreshing burst of fresh dill, all harmoniously married with perfectly cooked salmon. The addition of ripe tomatoes and a splash of dry white wine enriches the sauce, making it a flavor-packed experience. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this Lactose-Free recipe serves two and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings. Enjoy it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (Use for cooking)
leeks
1 1/4 cups (Chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (Minced)
tomatoes
1 cup (Coarsely chopped)
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (Use to season)
fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Use to season)
dry white wine
1/4 cup (Pour in during cooking)
salmon fillets
2 (6 ounce) (Skinned)
fresh dill
3/4 teaspoon (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped leeks to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften.
3
Incorporate the minced garlic and continue sautéing for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not browned.
4
Add the coarsely chopped tomatoes along with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, letting the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
5
Pour in the dry white wine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6
Carefully place the skinned salmon fillets into the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables. Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill on top of the salmon.
7
Cover the skillet, lower the heat, and let it simmer for about 8 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork. Avoid overcooking to retain the salmon’s moistness.
8
Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is fresh salmon fillets.
How many servings does this braised salmon recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve two people but can be easily doubled for larger groups.
Is this salmon recipe suitable for those on a lactose-free diet?
Yes, this is a lactose-free recipe as it uses olive oil instead of butter or cream.
What vegetables are included in the braising mixture?
The mixture includes chopped leeks and coarsely chopped tomatoes.
What type of wine is recommended for the sauce?
A dry white wine is used to enrich the sauce and deglaze the skillet.
How should the leeks be prepared before cooking?
The leeks should be chopped into 1 1/4 cups before being sautéed.
How long does it take to sauté the leeks?
The leeks should be sautéed for approximately 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
What is the required preparation for the garlic cloves?
The three garlic cloves should be minced before adding them to the skillet.
When should the fresh dill be added to the dish?
The chopped fresh dill should be sprinkled on top of the salmon fillets before covering the skillet to simmer.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily when tested with a fork, usually after about 8 minutes of simmering.
What should I do if I don't have fresh dill?
While fresh dill provides the best flavor, you can use a smaller amount of dried dill as a substitute.
Can this be considered a one-pan meal?
Yes, this is a one-pan meal as the vegetables and salmon are all prepared in a single large skillet.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this salmon?
It is recommended to serve this dish with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
Is this recipe appropriate for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, focusing on protein and vegetables.
How much olive oil is needed for sautéing?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil to start the cooking process.
Should the salmon fillets have the skin on or off?
The recipe calls for skinned salmon fillets.
What size should the salmon fillets be?
The recipe suggests using two 6-ounce salmon fillets.
What is the total simmering time for the salmon?
The salmon should be covered and simmered for about 8 minutes.
How much salt and pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh coarse ground black pepper.
What temperature should the skillet be when starting?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering.
Can I use a different type of fish for this braise?
While designed for salmon, other firm fish like halibut or cod could work with similar cooking times.
Do I need to brown the garlic?
No, you should sauté the minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
What is the purpose of the tomatoes in this recipe?
The tomatoes add moisture and acidity to the braising liquid as they release their juices.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, with a total cooking time of roughly 20 minutes, it is an ideal quick weeknight meal.
What should I do with the browned bits in the pan?
You should scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet after adding the wine to incorporate them into the sauce.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves.
What is the best way to prevent the salmon from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and ensure the skillet is covered while simmering to retain moisture.
Can I make this recipe for a special occasion?
Yes, the combination of leeks, wine, and dill makes it elegant enough for special occasions.
How much fresh dill is needed?
You will need 3/4 teaspoon of chopped fresh dill.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended for even cooking and easy cleanup.