Slow-Roasted Salmon with Wilted Spinach

Slow-Roasted Salmon

Ingredients:

• 1 side of salmon (about 3 pounds)

• 3 tsp kosher salt, divided

• 3/4 tsp black pepper, divided

• 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley

• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and finely chopped

• 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped

• 1/4 cup green olives (Manzanilla, Castelvetrano), chopped

• 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp grated lemon zest

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 lb. washed and dried spinach with stems removed

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (convection 300°F).

2. In a container that has a pourable spout, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil and paprika. Remove 1 tablespoon and set aside. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.

3. Place salmon on a large baking platter/dish and sprinkle both sides with 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Tuck the tapered end of the salmon under.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the thickest part of the fish flakes easily with a fork. As salmon bakes, spoon the lemon paprika mixture in the baking dish over the salmon every 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes.

5. While salmon is cooking, whisk together parsley, walnuts, vinegar, olives, remaining (2 tbsp) olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Taste and add more salt if necessary.

6. In a large pan, add washed spinach and 1 to 2 tablespoons water, cover and allow spinach to wilt, 3 to 5 minutes, turning every minute. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Spoon walnut-olive vinaigrette on salmon. Drizzle the reserved olive oil-paprika mixture onto salmon.

8. Divide spinach into 6 plates, add some salmon. Serve.

Yields: 6 to 8 servings

Notes&Tips:

• This is an easy and delicious salmon recipe. Because it is slow roasted it takes a bit longer to cook. However, the final dish is excellent and well worth it.

• The smoked paprika imparts a wonderful smoky, spicy, sweetness. The olives and walnut added nice crunch.

• Drizzle the cooking liquid over the salmon when serving.

• In addition to serving this Slow-Roasted Salmon with Spinach, I also add a green salad.

• Slow-Roasted Salmon would be great to serve at a dinner party or any special occasion.