Crisp Skinned Salmon With Lentils, Bacon, and Greens

threeovens's Note:

The key to this recipe's success is the method used to remove moisture from the skin to produce a crispy skin.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 35 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 1/2-2 lbs salmon fillets (6 to 8)
• kosher salt
• 2 slices bacon, cut in thin strips
• 1/4 cup carrot, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 lb lentils (preferably green lentils)
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1 cup dandelion greens, chopped
• 2 teaspoons oil
• coarse sea salt, for garnish
• minced parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. Place the salmon on a work surface with the skin side up; use the back of a knife, in a squeegee motion, to release moisture from the skin (keep wiping it up with a paper towel until no more moisture is released).
2. Turn the salmon over and remove any pin bones; season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
3. Brown the bacon, over medium low heat, in a medium saucepan to render the fat, about 7 minutes; add carrots and continue cooking until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Add onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes; stir in the lentils.
5. Add water, stir, and bring to a simmer; season with 3/4 teaspoon salt, reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook until the lentils are tender, about 40 minutes (the mixture should still be a little soupy).
6. Stir in the vinegar and season with pepper; taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar.
7. The mixture should be slightly tangy and sour (this will complement the bitterness of the dandelion); stir in the dandelion, cover, and keep warm.
8. Heat a large skillet over high heat and add a thin film of oil, 1 to 2 tablespoons; once the oil begins to sizzle, place salmon in pan skin side down, and reduce heat to medium.
9. Cook until the salmon turns opaque about 1/3 up the side of the fillet, 3 to 5 minutes; remove from heat and turn salmon over to finish cooking off the heat.
10. To serve, spoon about 1/2 cup of the lentils into shallow bowls and place a salmon fillet in the center (crispy skin up); sprinkle with a little coarse salt and minced parsley.