Salmon and Lentils with Morocaan Tomato Sauce

Salmon and Lentils With Moroccan Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sliced organic almonds, divided
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 14 1/2 ounces reduced-sodium, fat-free chicken broth
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seed (whole or ground)
• 1 teaspoon coriander seed (whole or ground)
• 3/4 teaspoon cardamom pods (whole or ground)
• 3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds (whole or ground)
• 3 whole cloves or 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• Cooking spray
• 1 shallot, peeled and chopped (about 1/4 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 14 1/2 ounces peeled, no-salt-added tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
• 12 ounces salmon fillet, (4 3-ounce fillets), boned and skinned

* Always buy broth in cardboard containers instead of cans.

Preparation

1. Spread the organic almonds on an ungreased baking pan. Place in a 350-degree oven and bake 5 to 10 minutes or until almonds are light brown; stir once or twice to ensure even browning. Note that almonds will continue to brown slightly after removing from oven.
2. In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring lentils and broth to boil; reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until lentils are tender.
3. Meanwhile, put all whole spices in a grinder and process until well ground, or if using ground spices, combine them in a small bowl.
4. Coat a skillet lightly with vegetable cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. Add shallot and garlic; sauté about 5 minutes until translucent. Mix in 1 1/4 teaspoons of the spice mixture, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
5. In an electric blender, pulse tomatoes just until roughly puréed; add to pan with hot pepper sauce and heat through. Set aside.
6. In small bowl, mix remaining spices, salt and pepper; rub onto both sides of salmon fillets.
7. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Coat lightly with vegetable cooking spray; add salmon to pan without crowding. Sauté salmon 4 minutes; turn, cover and cook 3 to 6 minutes longer, depending on thickness, or until cooked throughout.
8. Stir two tablespoons of organic almonds into lentils; divide among four plates. Top with salmon and tomato sauce. Sprinkle with remaining almonds.

Makes 4 servings.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Nutrition Facts

Number of Servings: 4

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 343

Total Fat: 10 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Cholesterol: 44 mg

Sodium: 512 mg

Total Carbohydrate: 29 g

Dietary Fiber: 14 g

Protein: 28 g

Recipe Source: California Almond Board