Savory Salmon Bake with Creamy Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes
Dive into a culinary delight with this Savory Salmon Bake featuring perfectly seasoned salmon fillet nestled on a bed of creamy olive oil mashed potatoes. This dish blends the freshness of high-quality salmon with buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, enhanced with the aromatic flavors of sautéed onions and garlic. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it an irresistible dish for salmon lovers. Garnished with a sprinkle of parsley, this meal is not only delicious but also visually appealing. It's the perfect centerpiece for a family dinner or a special occasion meal, and pairs wonderfully with a refreshing green or vibrant tomato salad. Experience a dish that truly celebrates the flavors of the sea combined with the earthiness of well-prepared potatoes. Best of all, it’s easy to make, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying good food with loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salmon fillet
3/4 lb (Fresh and without skin, cut into large pieces if necessary.)
Flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (Chopped.)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning.)
Pepper
to taste (For seasoning.)
Olive oil
for greasing and cooking (Use for greasing the casserole and sautéing onions.)
Yukon Gold potatoes
1/2 lb (Peeled and chopped.)
Low-fat milk
1/2 cup (Approximately, for mashed potatoes.)
Onions
2 medium (Chopped.)
Garlic clove
1/2 (Minced.)
Nutmeg
1 pinch (For added warmth and flavor.)
Breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons (To create a crispy topping.)
Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (Grated.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (200°C). This will allow it to reach the right temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
2
Prepare the salmon: In a greased casserole dish, place the salmon fillet. If it's too large, cut it into large pieces for even cooking. Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper, and then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley on top. Set aside and let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
3
Next, prepare the onions: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until they soften and become translucent. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
4
For the mashed potatoes: Peel and chop the Yukon Gold potatoes into equal-sized chunks. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Drain and return to the pot.
5
Mash the potatoes until smooth, adding 2 tablespoons of olive oil and enough of the low-fat milk to achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency. Stir in the sautéed onions, minced garlic, and a pinch of nutmeg. Season with salt to taste.
6
Spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the seasoned salmon in the casserole dish.
7
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle enough olive oil (1-3 tablespoons) over the mixture to moisten it, then sprinkle it evenly over the mashed potatoes for a delightful crust.
8
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and if the top begins to brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few moments. Just before serving, sprinkle with the remaining chopped parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor. Serve the dish immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in the Savory Salmon Bake?
The primary protein used in this recipe is a fresh salmon fillet, approximately 3/4 lb in weight.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (200°C) before baking the dish.
What type of potatoes are recommended for the mashed potato layer?
Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for this recipe because they provide a buttery texture and flavor.
How do I prepare the salmon before baking?
Place the salmon in a greased casserole dish, season it with salt and pepper, and sprinkle it with 2 tablespoons of chopped flat-leaf parsley.
Should the salmon skin be removed?
Yes, the recipe specifies using a fresh salmon fillet without skin.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
The potatoes should be boiled for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are tender.
What ingredients are used to make the potatoes creamy?
The potatoes are mashed with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and about 1/2 cup of low-fat milk to achieve a creamy consistency.
Are there onions in this recipe?
Yes, two medium chopped onions are sautéed in olive oil and then stirred into the mashed potatoes.
What spice is added to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor?
A pinch of nutmeg is added to the potato mixture to provide warmth and depth of flavor.
How do I make the crispy topping?
The topping is made by combining 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese, moistened with 1-3 tablespoons of olive oil.
How long does the entire dish need to bake?
The casserole dish should bake for about 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
How can I prevent the topping from browning too quickly?
If the top begins to brown too fast, you can cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil during the baking process.
Is there garlic in this salmon bake?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 of a minced garlic clove to be stirred into the mashed potatoes.
What type of parsley is used in the recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using flat-leaf parsley, chopped.
What is the recommended serving size for the salmon?
The recipe uses 3/4 lb of salmon, which typically serves 2 people depending on portion sizes.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil for the potatoes?
While the recipe emphasizes creamy olive oil mashed potatoes, you could use butter for a more traditional flavor, though it will change the nutritional profile.
Should I garnish the dish after baking?
Yes, you should sprinkle the remaining chopped parsley over the dish just before serving for added color and freshness.
Is this dish considered a 'one-dish meal'?
Yes, because the salmon and potatoes are baked together in a single casserole dish, it is categorized as a one-dish meal.
What kind of salad pairs well with this salmon bake?
The description suggests pairing this dish with a refreshing green salad or a vibrant tomato salad.
How should the potatoes be cut for boiling?
The Yukon Gold potatoes should be peeled and chopped into equal-sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
Do I need to let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, the instructions suggest letting it rest for a few moments after removing it from the oven before serving.
What should I do if the salmon fillet is too large for the dish?
If the fillet is too large, you should cut it into large pieces to ensure even cooking and a good fit in the casserole dish.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley is recommended for the best flavor and visual appeal, but dried could be used in a pinch (use about 1/3 of the fresh amount).
Is milk required for the potato layer?
Yes, low-fat milk is used to help achieve a creamy and spreadable consistency for the potato layer.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, the recipe is described as easy to make, designed to let you spend less time in the kitchen.
Can I use a different type of cheese than Parmesan?
While Parmesan provides a salty, nutty crust, you could substitute it with Pecorino Romano or another hard-grated cheese.
How do I prep the casserole dish?
The casserole dish should be greased with olive oil before placing the salmon inside.
How many onions are needed for the mash?
The recipe calls for 2 medium onions, which are chopped and sautéed before being added to the potatoes.
Does this recipe include sugar?
No, this is a savory dish and does not contain any added sugars.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The final dish features tender, flaky salmon, creamy and smooth potatoes, and a delightful crispy breadcrumb and cheese crust.