Oven-Baked Salmon With Sun-Dried Tomato and Salsa Mayonnaise

Adapted from Fast Food My Way by Jacques Pépin (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004).

This dish is the essence of my fast food. Season a fillet of salmon and nutty bread crumbs right on your oven-proof serving platter, and bake in the oven on a very low heat. You won't have to worry about burning the platter, and the fish will be cooked perfectly.

For more on Jacques Pépin's books and his PBS series, visit the Fast Food My Way website.

(Serves 4)

Food stylist: Eva Bell

• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 1 large skinless and boneless salmon fillet (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup ground hazelnuts

• 3 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
• 3 tablespoons prepared salsa
• Dash salt
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs (mixture of parsley, tarragon, chives, and chervil)

• Heat the oven to 200°F. Spread the oil over the surface of a large platter. Arrange the salmon on the platter, and sprinkle it with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
• In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, hazelnuts, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle the hazelnut-crumb mixture on top of the fillet.
• Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and is no longer opaque in the center.
• For the mayonnaise: Put the sun-dried tomatoes and their oil in a food processor with the salsa. Process until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl, and mix in the salt, mayonnaise, and chives.
• When the salmon is done, remove it from the oven, and sprinkle the chopped herbs on top. Serve warm or at room temperature with the mayonnaise.

Nutrients per serving:
Calories: 505
Fat: 37g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Carbohydrate: 8g
Sodium: 654mg
Protein: 34g

TIP: The fish can be made 1 to 2 hours ahead. The mayonnaise can be made up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated.

January & February 2005

Photographer: Squire Fox

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