Delicious salmon

Oven-Baked Salmon with Bacon and Creamy Sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Introduction
Salmon is a versatile fish, rich in nutrients and with a delicate flavor, perfect for simple yet refined recipes. This oven-baked salmon with bacon, accompanied by a creamy sauce, is not only easy to prepare but also extremely flavorful. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress anyone who tastes it.

Ingredients
For the salmon:
- 1 kg salmon fillet (about 4 servings)
- Coarse salt, to create a flavorful bed
- 200 g sliced bacon
- 1/2 lemon, to add a touch of freshness
- 8 medium potatoes, for garnish

For the creamy sauce:
- 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
- 1 cup milk (350-400 ml)
- 100 g sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 50 g cottage cheese or grated cheese
- 50 ml brandy or whiskey, for a special flavor
- Salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and fish spices, to taste

Preparing the Salmon
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. It is important that the temperature is correct for even baking of the salmon.

2. Prepare the baking tray: Take a baking tray and sprinkle a generous layer of coarse salt on the bottom. This will not only add flavor to the fish but also help retain moisture.

3. Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillet on the bed of salt. Squeeze the juice from 1/2 lemon over it to add a note of acidity that will balance the richness of the salmon.

4. Add the bacon: Cover the salmon with thin slices of bacon, which will crisp up during baking and impart a delicious flavor to the fish.

5. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the salmon bake for 25-30 minutes. During baking, ensure that the salmon is cooked through but not dry; the fillet should be opaque and flake easily.

Preparing the Creamy Sauce
1. Boil the milk: In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Be careful not to let it boil over.

2. Prepare the roux: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, dissolve the flour or cornstarch in a few tablespoons of cold milk. This will help prevent lumps.

3. Combining: When the milk starts to boil, add the flour or cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

4. Thickening the sauce: Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and resembles sour cream.

5. Adding final ingredients: Remove the sauce from heat and add the sour cream, olive oil, cheese, and brandy. Mix well and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano to taste.

Potato Garnish
1. Preparing the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes or slices, as preferred. Boil them in salted water until tender, then drain.

2. Serving: You can serve them plain, drizzled with a little olive oil and sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor.

Serving
Once the salmon is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, cut it into portions and serve it alongside the hot potatoes and creamy sauce. A unique idea would be to add a few slices of fresh lemon or some sprigs of dill for a vibrant look and additional aroma.

Useful Tips
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the salmon with a fillet of tofu or roasted vegetables for a savory vegetarian option.
- Flavoring: Experiment with various herbs and spices to customize the recipe. For example, add a splash of soy sauce for an Asian twist.
- For a richer sauce: Replace the cottage cheese with blue cheese or goat cheese for a sauce with a more intense flavor.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This oven-baked salmon recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health. Each serving of salmon contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of bacon and sauce used.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of fish? Yes, you can replace the salmon with trout or dorado fillets, but the baking time may vary.
2. How can I store cooked salmon? Cooked salmon keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or in a skillet.
3. What drinks pair well with this dish? A dry white wine or a gin and tonic cocktail would be perfect to accompany this meal.

Conclusion
Oven-baked salmon with bacon and creamy sauce is a simple yet sophisticated recipe that combines accessible ingredients to create a memorable dish. This recipe will not only enrich your meal but also add a touch of elegance to any occasion. Feel free to put your personal stamp on the recipe and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: 1kg salmon fillet (for 4 people) coarse salt 200g sliced bacon 1/2 lemon 8 potatoes For the sauce: 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch + 1 cup milk 350-400ml milk 100g sour cream 1 tablespoon olive oil 50g cottage cheese or grated cheese 50ml konjac or whiskey salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, fish spices (or any you prefer)