Spiced Moroccan Salmon Lentil Bowl
Experience the exotic flavors of Morocco with this Spiced Moroccan Salmon Lentil Bowl. This dish pairs perfectly seared salmon fillets, infused with aromatic spices, on a bed of tender lentils bathed in a rich tomato and harissa sauce. Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a fantastic option for a hearty weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an added touch of brightness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground coriander
2 (tablespoons)
ground fennel
2 (tablespoons)
ground cumin
2 (teaspoons)
ground cardamom
0.5 (teaspoon)
ground cloves
0.5 (teaspoon)
dry lentils
1 (cup)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
garlic cloves, minced
4
onion, grated
0.5 (medium)
harissa
1 (tablespoon)
Italian plum tomatoes, chopped
1.5 (pounds or 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes)
canola oil
1.5 (tablespoons)
unsalted butter
1 (tablespoon)
salmon fillets, with skin
4 (6-ounce each)
Instructions
1
Prepare the spice mixture by combining ground coriander, ground fennel, ground cumin, ground cardamom, ground cloves, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
2
Rinse the dry lentils under cold water. In a medium saucepan, add lentils and cover with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 25 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Drain any excess water, season with salt and pepper, and set aside, keeping covered.
3
In a medium-sized saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and grated onion to the pan and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4
Stir in harissa and 1 tablespoon of the prepared spice mixture, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until fragrant.
5
Add the chopped tomatoes along with their juices into the saucepan. Raise the heat to medium and allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
6
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
7
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and coat both sides with the remaining spice mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
8
In a large skillet, heat canola oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add two salmon fillets skin-side down. Sauté for 3 minutes without flipping. Repeat with the remaining fillets.
9
Once seared, carefully transfer the salmon fillets to the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 6-10 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is just cooked through.
10
To serve, spoon the seasoned lentils onto dinner plates, placing the crispy salmon fillets on top skin-side down. Generously ladle the tomato-harissa sauce around the dish and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spiced Moroccan Salmon Lentil Bowl?
It is a flavorful dish featuring seared salmon fillets coated in Moroccan spices, served over tender lentils with a rich tomato and harissa-based sauce.
What spices are used in the Moroccan spice mixture?
The spice mixture consists of ground coriander, ground fennel, ground cumin, ground cardamom, ground cloves, salt, and black pepper.
How long do the dry lentils take to cook?
The dry lentils should be simmered in water for approximately 25 minutes or until they are tender.
What is the primary flavor profile of the sauce?
The sauce is rich and aromatic, featuring chopped tomatoes, garlic, grated onion, and spicy harissa paste combined with Moroccan spices.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius for roasting the salmon.
How should the salmon be seared?
The salmon should be seared skin-side down in a skillet with canola oil and butter for 3 minutes before being transferred to the oven.
How long does the salmon need to roast in the oven?
The salmon should roast for 6 to 10 minutes until the skin is crispy and the fish is cooked through.
Can I use canned tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute 1.5 pounds of fresh plum tomatoes with one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Is the salmon skin removed for this dish?
No, the recipe calls for salmon fillets with skin, which is seared and roasted until crispy for added texture.
What are the suggested garnishes for this meal?
The dish is best served with a sprinkle of fresh herbs to add a touch of brightness and color.
How many salmon fillets does this recipe require?
The recipe specifies four 6-ounce salmon fillets.
What is harissa?
Harissa is a hot chili pepper paste commonly used in North African and Moroccan cuisine to add heat and depth of flavor.
How is the onion prepared for the sauce?
The onion should be grated, which allows it to melt into the sauce more easily during the sautéing process.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and hearty option containing protein-rich salmon, fiber-filled lentils, and various spices.
What type of pan is best for searing the salmon?
A large skillet is recommended for searing the salmon fillets before they are moved to a baking sheet.
Should the lentils be rinsed before cooking?
Yes, the instructions recommend rinsing the dry lentils under cold water before boiling.
Can I use a different type of oil for the sauce?
The recipe suggests olive oil for the sauce for its flavor, but other neutral oils could be used in a pinch.
How do I ensure the spices stick to the salmon?
The recipe advises pressing the spice mixture gently onto both sides of the salmon fillets to ensure it adheres.
What order should the ingredients be plated?
Spoon the seasoned lentils onto the plate first, place the salmon on top, and then ladle the tomato-harissa sauce around the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, its vibrant flavors and professional presentation make it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special events.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer?
The tomato mixture should simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
What is the purpose of the butter when searing salmon?
Butter is used alongside canola oil to add richness and help achieve a golden, crispy skin on the salmon.
Should the lentils be seasoned after cooking?
Yes, after draining excess water, you should season the lentils with salt and pepper.
Can I prep the spice mix in advance?
Yes, the spice mixture can be combined in a bowl and set aside until you are ready to use it for the sauce and the salmon.
How many cloves of garlic are in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
Do I need to flip the salmon while searing in the skillet?
No, the instructions state to sauté the salmon for 3 minutes skin-side down without flipping.
What texture should the lentils have?
The lentils should be tender but still hold their shape, typically achieved after 25 minutes of simmering.
Can I substitute ground fennel?
While fennel provides a specific aromatic profile, you could use ground anise or additional cumin if you do not have it.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is intended to be served immediately while the salmon and lentils are hot.
How much coriander is in the spice mix?
The spice mixture includes 2 tablespoons of ground coriander.