Lemon-Infused Salmon with Artichokes
This simple yet flavorful dish, Salmone alla limoncina, is perfect for those who enjoy a light, refreshing meal with a delicious balance of citrus and rich salmon. Paired with tender artichokes, it offers a delightful combination that will impress at your next dinner gathering. The dish is quick to prepare and ideal for those who want a healthy yet indulgent meal.
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salmon fillets | 800g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 100ml |
| Lemon juice | 1 (for the salmon) |
| Fresh parsley | 1 bunch |
| Garlic | ½ clove |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Artichokes | 4 |
| Lemon juice | 1 (for the artichokes) |
| Vegetable broth | 150ml |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fine salt | A pinch |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Artichokes
To begin, focus on preparing the artichokes, which will serve as the perfect accompaniment to the salmon. If you’d like, wear gloves to avoid staining your hands while cleaning the artichokes.
- In a large bowl, pour cold water and squeeze the juice of one lemon into it to prevent the artichokes from browning.
- Remove the tough outer leaves of the artichokes by pulling them away with your hands.
- Once the outer leaves are removed, trim the top of the artichoke with a knife.
- Use a knife to carefully scrape out the hairy choke from the center.
- Slice the artichokes into thin wedges and place them directly into the lemon-water mixture to keep them from discoloring.
- Once all the artichokes are sliced, drain them thoroughly.
Step 2: Cook the Artichokes
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil and add the garlic clove (peeled) to infuse the oil with flavor.
- Add the drained artichokes to the pan and stir to coat them with the oil and garlic.
- Season the artichokes with a pinch of salt and sauté for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, stir, and let the artichokes simmer until they are tender (about 5–7 minutes). Keep an eye on them and add a little more broth if needed.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon Emulsion
- While the artichokes are cooking, take a small bowl and combine 100ml of olive oil with the juice of one lemon.
- Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Peel and finely chop half a clove of garlic, adding it to the mixture. Stir well to create an emulsion.
Step 4: Prepare the Salmon
- Take the fresh Norwegian salmon fillets and remove any visible bones using a pair of tweezers.
- Arrange the salmon fillets on a baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Generously brush the salmon with the lemon-olive oil emulsion you prepared earlier. If desired, set aside some emulsion to drizzle over the salmon after cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Salmon
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F).
- Place the salmon in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. The salmon should be just cooked through but still tender and juicy.
- Halfway through cooking, flip the fillets over to ensure even cooking and browning.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Once the salmon is ready, remove it from the oven and plate the fillets on a bed of the sautéed artichokes.
- Drizzle the remaining lemon-olive oil emulsion over the top of the salmon and artichokes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve this Salmone alla limoncina immediately, paired with a light side salad or your favorite vegetable for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 38g |
| Fat | 29g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Sodium | 360mg |
This lemon-infused salmon is the perfect dish for a healthy, flavorful meal that is also easy to prepare. The delicate, tangy flavors from the lemon emulsion and the earthy, tender artichokes complement the richness of the salmon beautifully. It’s a dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a quick, impressive dinner for guests. Enjoy this light yet satisfying dish as a wonderful addition to your repertoire of flavorful main courses.
