Moroccan Spiced Salmon Over Lentils

Ingredients

• ground coriander
• ground fennel
• ground cumin
• ground cardamom
• ground cloves
• dry lentils
• salt and black pepper
• olive oil
• garlic cloves
• onion
• harissa
• italian plum tomatoes
• canola oil
• unsalted butter
• salmon fillets

Preparation

1. 1spice mixture: combine all the ingredients for the spice mix then set aside to be used later
2. 2place the lentils in a medium saucepan & cover with 3 cups of water
3. 3bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low , cover and simmer
4. 4cook until the lentils are tender , about 25 minutes , stirring occasionally
5. 5drain any remaining water then season with salt and pepper and set aside , covered
6. 6while the lentils are cooking , warm olive oil over medium-low heat in a medium-sized saucepan
7. 7cook the garlic and onions in the oil until translucent , about 5 minutes
8. 8add the harissa and 1 tablespoon of the spice mixture and continue to cook until fragrant , about 3 minutes
9. 9increase the heat to medium then add the tomatoes and their juices
10. 10simmer the sauce , stirring occasionally , until the flavors are well blended , about 10 minutes
11. 11season with salt and pepper
12. 12preheat the oven to 400 degrees
13. 13spray a baking pan with cooking spray & set aside
14. 14season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper then coat them on both sides with the remaining spice mixture
15. 15heat the canola oil & the butter in a large skillet
16. 16when the oil is very hot , add 2 salmon fillets to the pan , skin side down
17. 17saute the salmon fillets for 3 minutes
18. 18repeat with the other 2 fillets