Baked salmon

Oven-baked salmon with white sauce and boiled potatoes

If you're looking for a salmon recipe that will impress, you've come to the right place! This recipe is not only simple to make but also full of flavors and textures that perfectly blend the delicate taste of salmon with a creamy white sauce and boiled potatoes. It's an ideal dish for a special dinner or a family meal. Let's get started!

Ingredients for 4 servings:
- 500 g fresh salmon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Freshly ground pepper
- 100 g coarse salt (for cooking)

For the side dish:
- 500 g potatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the white sauce:
- 50 g butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk (approximately 250 ml)
- 300 g sour cream
- 50 ml white wine
- 2 tablespoons brandy
- Spices: salt, pepper, oregano, nutmeg, thyme (to taste)

Garnish:
- Green salad
- Fresh red pepper
- Fresh parsley

Preparation time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 25 minutes
- Total: 40 minutes

Recipe story:
Oven-baked salmon is a dish with a rich history, deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of many cultures. It is a fish that is easy to cook and can be adapted in countless ways, from simple dishes to sophisticated delicacies. The coarse salt used here is not just an ingredient but also a cooking technique that helps maintain the salmon's juiciness and enhances the flavors.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the salmon:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a baking dish, lay a generous layer of coarse salt. This will form a base that will help cook the salmon evenly. Rinse the salmon under cold water and dry it with a paper towel. Rub it all over with olive oil and sprinkle with freshly ground pepper. Note: It is not necessary to add salt directly to the fish, as the salt from the salt bed will be sufficient to season it.

2. Cooking the salmon:
Place the salmon on the salt bed in the baking dish and put it in the oven. Let it cook for 25 minutes. During this time, the salmon will become tender and flavorful. Tip: Use a meat thermometer; the salmon is perfectly cooked at an internal temperature of 55-60°C.

3. Preparing the side dish:
In parallel, peel the potatoes, cut them into cubes, and boil them in salted water. Cook them until they are soft, about 15-20 minutes. Tip: You can test them with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are ready!

4. Preparing the white sauce:
In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and mix well to form a roux. Cook for a few minutes, being careful not to burn it. Then, gradually incorporate the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. When the sauce starts to thicken, add the sour cream, white wine, and brandy. Continue to stir until you achieve a smooth consistency, similar to thin sour cream. Add the spices to taste, and if necessary, you can add a little milk to adjust the texture.

5. Finalizing the dish:
Once the salmon is ready, carefully remove it from the salt bed, being careful not to bring any salt onto the plate. Serve the warm salmon alongside the boiled potatoes and white sauce. Garnish the plate with green salad, fresh red pepper, and a little chopped parsley for a pleasant appearance and a burst of colors.

Serving suggestions:
This dish is perfect for an elegant dinner. You can pair it with a dry white wine that will complement the flavors of the salmon and sauce. Additionally, a green salad with cherry tomatoes and a simple vinaigrette can add a touch of freshness.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of fish?
Yes, you can replace the salmon with another fatty fish, such as trout or tuna. Cooking times will need to be adjusted, so make sure to check the internal temperature.

2. How can I adapt the recipe for a dairy-free diet?
You can use plant-based milk and nut or soy cream instead of traditional ones. You can also omit the sauce or use an oil and lemon-based sauce.

3. What side dishes can I use instead of potatoes?
Grilled vegetables, quinoa, or rice are excellent options. Also, a raw vegetable salad would be a light and healthy choice.

Nutritional benefits:
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. It is also rich in quality proteins and B vitamins, which contribute to energy metabolism. Potatoes, on the other hand, are an excellent source of carbohydrates and fiber, essential for digestion.

Estimated calories:
A serving of salmon with boiled potatoes and white sauce has approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the amount of sauce used.

Now that you have all the details of this oven-baked salmon recipe, I encourage you to try it and enjoy every bite! Cook with heart and don’t forget to let your creativity shine. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 500 g salmon 2 tablespoons olive oil pepper 100 g coarse salt Garnish: 1/2 kg potatoes White sauce: 50 g butter 2 tablespoons flour 1 cup milk 300 g sour cream 50 ml white wine 2 tablespoons cognac salt, pepper, oregano, nutmeg, thyme Decor: green salad, fresh red bell pepper parsley