Salmon with Fresh Curry Leaves

Cooking with fresh curry leaves lends a plethora of rich yet subtle flavor.  My friend has a bush on her deck and gave me a large bunch to experiment with. I decided to make a curried salmon dish with some of it and wasn't disappointed.  My curry dishes are usually made with a variety of spices including turmeric, cumin, coriander and cardamon. Using the fresh leaves is a new direction, and it's wonderful! The leaves look and feel sturdy but once touched by the heat, they rapidly turn soft and fragrant. These will definitely to be a staple in my kitchen going forward. They keep in the fridge for about three weeks too. I wrapped mine in waxed paper and inserted them into a plastic bag.

ON THE CUTTING BOARD:









One and a half pounds of wild Atlantic salmon, three Roma and several cherry tomatoes, one medium onion, three-inch piece of ginger (peeled), 3 large cloves of garlic, a bunch of fresh curry leaves, green beans, turmeric, smoked paprika, sea salt and grapeseed oil.



STEP ONE:



Chop the onion, garlic and ginger into a dice.

STEP TWO:



Use a mortar and pestle to grind ginger and garlic.

STEP THREE:



Saute onions in a T. of grapes oil until soft. Add the ginger and garlic and allow to cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes.

STEP FOUR:

Add the tomatoes and curry leaves to the pan along with a tsp. of turmeric, a tsp. of smoked paprika and a 1/4-1/2 tsp. of salt and allow to cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

STEP FIVE:



Add the salmon to the pan skin side down and allow to cook on medium heat for 6 minutes. Turn the fish and cook for another 6 minutes or until it's done. Try not to overcook or it will be dry. If the vegetables are becoming overcooked, remove from pan and keep warm. While the fish is cooking, saute the green beans in a little olive oil with salt and pepper. Can squeeze some lemon juice on them when done.

STEP SIX:



Plate the fish by setting on top of sautéed green beans. Spoon the vegetable mixture on top.  Enjoy!

ALLA VOSTRA SALUTE!