Oven-baked salmon with quince

Baked salmon with quince: an extravagant and healthy recipe that will transform your meal into an unforgettable gastronomic experience! This combination of succulent salmon and aromatic quinces will delight your senses and add a touch of elegance to your table. It is a simple yet impressive recipe, perfect for a romantic dinner or to indulge on regular days.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients
- 3-4 slices of fresh salmon (about 150-200 g each)
- 1 large quince, sliced
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 5-6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (or dried)
- 1 small glass of dry white wine
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of sour cream
- Tarragon (optional, for a more complex flavor)
- A few broccoli florets for garnish

A brief history of the recipe
Salmon is a beloved fish in cuisines around the world, known for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits. Combined with quinces, a traditional fruit that adds a sweet-sour note, this recipe becomes a symbol of balance between flavors. Quinces have been cultivated for thousands of years and are appreciated not only for their taste but also for their antioxidant properties.

Preparing the recipe

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Choose fresh salmon with firm, pink flesh, and ripe but firm quinces. These will add natural sweetness and a pleasant texture to your dish.

2. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is essential to ensure even cooking of the salmon and quince.

3. Preparing the salmon: In a baking dish, place the salmon slices. Drizzle them with lemon juice and olive oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and chopped fresh dill over the salmon. These spices will enhance the flavors and add an attractive appearance.

4. Preparing the quince: Arrange the quince slices around the salmon, well-coated with olive oil. They will caramelize slightly during baking, bringing a delicious flavor.

5. Adding the white wine: Carefully pour the white wine into the dish. This will help flavor the dish and keep the salmon moist.

6. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to maintain a constant temperature.

7. Preparing the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with the mustard. Gradually add the olive oil, whisking constantly to obtain a mayonnaise-like emulsion. Add the chopped garlic and sour cream, mixing well. If desired, you can also add tarragon for a more complex flavor.

8. Garnish: In the last 10 minutes of baking, you can add the broccoli florets to the dish to cook until al dente. They will provide a color contrast and a crunchy texture.

9. Serving: After the salmon and quinces are ready, remove the dish from the oven. Arrange the salmon on a platter, alongside the quince slices and broccoli. Pour the sauce over the salmon and garnish with a few fresh dill leaves. Serving this dish should be a visual experience as pleasant as its taste.

Tips and useful advice
- Make sure the salmon is fresh; it should have a pleasant sea smell and firm flesh.
- If you don’t have quinces, you can use apples or pears, but it will be a slightly different recipe. Quinces have a distinct flavor that pairs perfectly with salmon.
- Experiment with different types of white wine; a dry wine will add a fresher taste, while a sweeter wine will enhance the sweet flavor of the quince.
- You can replace dill with other fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, depending on your preferences.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This baked salmon with quince recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health. Quinces add fiber and antioxidants, aiding digestion and strengthening the immune system. Approximately, a serving contains about 350 calories, depending on the portion size and the amount of oil used.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking for optimal results.
- What side dishes pair best? Besides broccoli, you can also serve roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad for an extra touch of freshness.
- Can I prepare the sauce in advance? Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Make sure to mix it well before serving.

Serving suggestions
This baked salmon with quince pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which will complement the flavors of the dish. Additionally, for a complete culinary experience, you can accompany the meal with an arugula salad with nuts and feta cheese.

In conclusion, this baked salmon with quince recipe is not only simple but also full of flavors and textures. It is perfect for a special dinner or just to indulge yourself. I wish you happy cooking and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 3-4 slices of salmon, white wine, 1 lemon, olive oil, salt, pepper, dill, 1 sliced quince, a few broccoli florets, 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of mustard, 3 cloves of garlic, 5-6 tablespoons of oil, 1 tablespoon of sour cream, tarragon, salt

 Tags:  salmon quince broccoli dijon mustard sour cream romantic dinner