Baked salmon medallion with polenta

Oven-Baked Salmon Medallion with Polenta: A Delicacy at Home

If you're looking for a simple yet delicious recipe that will impress both family and friends, the oven-baked salmon medallion with polenta is the perfect choice. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, offering a perfect combination of healthy protein from the fish and carbohydrates from the polenta. Let's discover together the steps to create this delicacy!

Total preparation time: 50 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Ingredients

For the salmon medallion:
- 2 pieces of salmon (approximately 200-250g each)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 slices of butter
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of red wine
- 2 tablespoons of broth
- Spices: basil, thyme, sweet paprika, pepper, and chili flakes (to taste)

For the polenta:
- 500 ml water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 150g cornmeal

For the garlic sauce:
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Brief History

Salmon is a fish appreciated in cuisines worldwide, often associated with festive meals and health. Polenta, on the other hand, is a traditional dish with deep roots in culinary culture. This recipe combines the two ingredients in a unique way, bringing together flavors and textures that delight the taste buds.

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Salmon

1. Preparing the fish: Start by cleaning the salmon medallions and patting them dry with a paper towel to remove excess water.

2. Marinating: In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, basil, thyme, sweet paprika, pepper, and chili flakes. Drizzle the salmon with this marinade and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step is essential to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.

3. Assembling: Place the salmon medallions in an ovenproof dish, adding a slice of butter on top of each piece.

Step 2: Preparing the Sauce

1. Flavorful sauce: In a bowl, combine the broth, red wine, and spices. Mix well and pour the sauce over the salmon, evenly covering each medallion.

2. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and allow the fish to cook evenly. Preheat the oven to 180°C and let the salmon bake for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Finalizing the Salmon

1. Adding vegetables: After 20 minutes, remove the salmon from the oven, take off the foil, and add the diced tomato and chopped garlic on top. Cover again with the foil and let it rest for 7 minutes. This step will help intensify the flavors.

Step 4: Preparing the Polenta

1. Boiling the water: In a pot, bring the water to a boil and add the salt.

2. Adding the cornmeal: When the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and gradually add the cornmeal, continuously stirring with a whisk to avoid lumps. Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the polenta becomes creamy and easily pulls away from the sides of the pot.

Step 5: Preparing the Garlic Sauce

1. Garlic: In a mortar or bowl, crush the 4 cloves of garlic with a pinch of salt until it becomes a paste.

2. Emulsifying: Gradually add the olive oil, stirring continuously. If desired, you can add sour cream for a richer taste.

Serving

Once all the components are ready, it's time to assemble the plate. Place a generous portion of polenta on the plate, add the salmon medallion on top, drizzling with the remaining sauce from the dish. You can garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley. Serve the dish warm, alongside the garlic sauce and a glass of white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Helpful Tips

- Variations: If you don't have salmon, you can use trout fillets or another fatty fish that will behave similarly in preparation.
- Flavoring: If you like stronger flavors, you can add fresh dill or a teaspoon of soy sauce to the marinade.
- Polenta with cheese: A delicious variation is to add telemea cheese or cottage cheese to the polenta for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, make sure to fully thaw it before cooking to achieve the best texture.
2. How can I enhance the flavor of the sauce? You can add a teaspoon of honey for a sweet-sour contrast.
3. Is this recipe suitable for diets? Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, and polenta provides healthy carbohydrates. It’s a good choice for a balanced meal.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I invite you to try this recipe for oven-baked salmon medallion with polenta. It’s a meal that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to every meal. Enjoy!