Porcini And Pumpkin Seed Salmon Food

PORCINI AND PUMPKIN SEED SALMON

Steps:

• Season fillets on both sides with salt and pepper. Combine pumpkin seeds and porcini pieces, and grind them to a coarse powder in a coffee or spice grinder. Press some of the mixture onto the top of each fillet.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 3 or 4 minutes. Add the oil or butter called for in the recipe and, when it shimmers, place the fillets, coated side down, in the pan. Cook about 1 minute, or until the spice mixture forms a nicely browned crust.
• Turn the fillets and cook about a minute more, then transfer to the oven. Cook about 4 minutes for rare salmon, 5 to 6 minutes for medium rare and 8 minutes for well done.

FILLET OF SALMON IN A PORCINI PUMPKIN SEED CRUST

Steps:

• Add porcini to blender and process to fine dust, remove and set aside. Add pumpkin seeds to blender and lightly pulse until seeds are like fine pebbles.
• Remove and combine with porcini dust. Season the fillets with salt and pepper. Gently pat 1 tablespoon of porcini mixture on top of each fillet - top only. Heat vegetable oil in large skillet until it reaches the smoke point, add fillets crust-side down. Sear well for one minute, add butter, continue to cook 3 minutes over medium-low heat, turn fillet over and cook second side for 3 minutes. Remove from pan.

SPICE-RUBBED SALMON

Steps:

• 1. Season the fillets on both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Grind the fennel seeds coarsely in a coffee or spice grinder, and mix them with the rosemary and orange zest. Press this mixture into the top (nonskin side) of each fillet. Let sit, refrigerated and covered, for up to 24 hours.
• 2. When you're ready to cook, preheat the oven to 450°F. Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 3 or 4 minutes. Add the oil or butter and, when it shimmers, place the fillets, coated side down, in the pan. Cook about 1 minute, or until the spice mixture forms a nicely browned crust.
• 3. Turn the fillets and cook about a minute more, then transfer to the oven. Cook about 4 minutes for rare salmon, 5 to 6 minutes for medium-rare, and 8 minutes for well done.
• With MINIMAL Effort:
• Seed-Rubbed Salmon: Combine 2 tablespoons raw, shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and 2 tablespoons (roughly) dried porcini pieces in a coffee or spice grinder and grind to a coarse powder. Press some of the mixtue into the top (nonskin side) of each of the fillets and cook as above.
• Spice-Rubbed Salmon. Combine 1 tablespoon coriander seeds or ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon whole or ground cloves, 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds or ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg. Press some of the mixture into the top (nonskin) side of each of the fillets and cook as above.
• This technique will work with nearly any spice, herb, or other rub you can think of. Try curry powder; minced lemon zest and parsley; minced lime zest and cilantro; or ground nuts and shallots.
• Substitute whole or clarified butter, peanut oil, or a neutral oil such as grapeseed or canola for the olive oil.