Cumin Crusted Salmon With Orange Rice Pilaf

PaulaG's Note:

An entry in Dining on a Dollar. The salmon is very flavorful and is accented beautifully with the delicate flavors of the rice. Serve this was a side salad for a delicious and healthy meal.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

Salmon

• 4 (4 ounce) salmon fillets
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)

Rice Pilaf

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 large purple onion, diced
• 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 garlic clove, mined
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, rinsed
• 1 orange
• salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Wash salmon fillets and pat dry. In a small dish mix together the cumin through black pepper. Rub over salmon fillets and allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Rinse the rice well under cold running water. In a large pot, bring 12 cups of water to a boil, add in rice, stir once and boil uncovered for 30 minutes. Place a stainer in the sink and pour rice into a stainer. Allow to drain for 10 seconds. Return to the pot, turn off heat source, cover and let rice steam for 10 minutes.
3. In a small dry skillet, lightly toast the walnuts. Set aside.
4. While rice is steaming, warm the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add in onion, celery and carrot. Cook until onion is wilted. Cover and reduce heat to low. Allow to cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until carrot is barely tender. Add in garlic and zucchini. Cook until zucchini is crisp tender stirring frequently.
5. When rice is done add to vegetable mixture. Thoroughly combine vegetables with steamed rice. Stir in peas. Cover and allow to rest for a few minutes.
6. Zest orange then remove peel. Cut and section the orange. Cut sections into thirds if large or into half for smaller sections. Add orange zest and sections to rice mixture along with toasted walnuts. Keep warm while grilling the salmon.
7. Grill salmon over medium heat until it flakes; approximately 5 to 8 minutes per side. Spoon the rice pilaf onto serving plate and top with grilled salmon. Garnish each serving with fresh cilantro if desired.

Reviews

[Studentchef]

This was so good, and a nice combination of everything! Since my family loves salmon, this recipe was a great way to enjoy the fish, and the rice added nicely to the meal.

[mersaydees]

This recipe has it all: looks, healthy ingredients, flavor and is quick to make. This really hits the spot that craves gourmet Mexican faire and is like 5 star dining. I will make this a lot and can't wait to share with family and friends. Love it! Good luck in the contest!

[**Jubes**]

We really enjoyed this dish. The pilaf was easy to make and had a great combo of walnuts, orange segment/pieces and vegetables. I really enjoyed the pilaf and it was the perfect quantity for four good sized serves. My youngest daughter didn't even realise that this dish contained zucchini (that she says she doesn't like). The salmon cooked up lovely with the spice crust. A recipe that I will most certainly make again. Good luck in theDining on A $ competition. Photo taken also to be posted