North African Spiced Salmon Over French Lentils

Go to any French bistro, and you’ll likely find a dish of lentils and salmon.
It’s a classic for good reason: Lean, mellow lentils complement the richness
of the fish. This version includes a Moroccan-inspired spice rub on the salmon.
As you eat, flake the salmon into the lentils to better distribute those aromatic
spices throughout the dish.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup French lentils (lentils du Puy), rinsed
• 1/3 cup dried apricots, finely diced
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley; more for serving, if you like
• 1 Tbs. drained capers
• 1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
• 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• Fine sea salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
• 1/8 tsp. ground allspice
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne
• 4 6-oz. salmon fillets, skinless or skin on
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. In a 4-quart saucepan, bring the lentils and 3 cups water to a boil over
   medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer, add the apricots, and gently simmer
   until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape, 35 to 45 minutes. Drain.

2. Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
   Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, 6 to 8 minutes.
   Add the lentils, parsley, capers, lemon zest and juice, and 1/4 tsp. salt, and stir
   to combine. Keep warm over low heat.

3. Combine the cumin, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, allspice, cayenne,
   and 1/2 tsp. salt in a small bowl. Pat the spice mix onto the salmon.

4. Heat the remaining 1 Tbs. oil in another 12-inch nonstick or cast-iron skillet
   over medium-high heat. Add the salmon, flesh side down, and cook until golden
   brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn and cook to your liking, another 2 to 3 minutes for
   salmon that’s barely opaque in the center. Serve the salmon over the lentils,
   garnished with more parsley, if you like, and with the lemon wedges.

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You Can See This Recipe and More Salmon Recipes Here

bon appetit