Salmon brine

Salmon Brine Recipe with Roasted Vegetables

Welcome to the world of delicious flavors! Today, I invite you to discover an elegant and savory salmon brine recipe, a perfect choice for a special dinner or a refined lunch. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it will also delight your taste buds. I assure you that once you try it, it will become a favorite in your menu!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Your ingredients will be as follows:

- 4 pieces of salmon fillet
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 red capia pepper
- 2 large tomatoes (or 4 small ones)
- 4 cloves of garlic, unpeeled
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 carrot
- 1 tablespoon of bell pepper paste
- 1 teaspoon of hot pepper paste
- 1 tablespoon of oil (preferably palm oil)
- 2 tablespoons of Cabernet wine
- 1 tablespoon of Modena vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ bunch of fresh parsley
- A few allspice berries
- ½ teaspoon of thyme
- A pinch of coriander seeds
- Coarse salt or sea salt to taste
- A dash of pepper
- 100 ml water (a small glass)

History of the brine recipe
Brine is a traditional dish found in many cultures, serving as a method for preserving fish, as well as a way to enhance its flavors. Over time, it has found its place in various recipes, adapting to local tastes. Although traditionally, freshwater fish is used, today, salmon becomes the star of this dish due to its rich texture and distinct flavor.

Preparing the salmon
1. Prepare the salmon: Start by washing the salmon fillets well under cold running water. Dry them with a kitchen towel and rub them with a little coarse salt. Squeeze the juice of ½ lemon over the fish to intensify its flavors.

2. Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium heat or, if you prefer, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop. Place the salmon on the grill skin-side down and let it cook for about 15 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Then, gently flip it and cook for another 6-7 minutes on the other side.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the salmon is grilling, wash and slice the peppers into strips, and the tomatoes into quarters. Leave the garlic cloves unpeeled - this will enhance their flavor during baking. Arrange the vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Roasting the vegetables: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Roast the vegetables for about 30 minutes, until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

Preparing the garlic sauce
5. Garlic sauce: In a bowl, crush the head of garlic with a little salt, then add 100 ml of water. Mix well to obtain a creamy garlic sauce.

Preparing the vegetable sauce
6. Vegetable sauce: In a pan or pot, add a tablespoon of oil and add the roasted vegetables. Remove the roasted garlic from its skin and add it to the pan. Mix with the previously prepared garlic sauce, lemon juice, Modena vinegar, Cabernet wine, bell pepper paste, and hot pepper paste. Add the parsley, spices (allspice, thyme, coriander), and season to taste with salt and pepper. If you desire a sweeter-sour taste, you can add a bit of brown sugar.

Finalizing the dish
7. Finalizing the dish: Carefully place the salmon fillets in the vegetable sauce and cover the pan with a lid. Let it rest for 30 minutes so that the flavors meld perfectly.

8. Serving: Serve the salmon brine with warm polenta, along with separate bowls of garlic sauce and hot pepper paste for those who want an extra kick.

Useful tips and variations
- Ingredient variations: You can replace the salmon with another fatty fish, such as trout or even tuna, for a different version. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or red onion to enrich the dish.
- Tips for perfect salmon: Make sure not to flip the salmon too early on the grill to avoid breaking the fillet. Use a wide spatula to gently flip it.
- Pairing with drinks: A dry white wine or rosé is the ideal choice to accompany this dish, balancing the rich flavors of the salmon and sauce.

Nutritional information
This salmon brine recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain heart health and reduce inflammation. Additionally, the roasted vegetables are full of vitamins and antioxidants, providing a boost of nutrients to the dish.

I hope you enjoy every step of this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its flavors! Surely, the salmon brine will bring a touch of refinement and flavor to your meals. Bon appétit!