Seared Salmon on Herbed Mashed Peas

Delicious and different pairing for this favorite fish. Add pasta or rice for a complete meal. From Nov. 2005 Cooking Light.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  teaspoon butter
• 1  cup leek, thinly sliced
• 1⁄4 cup water
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed
• 1  tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 2  tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2  teaspoons fresh tarragon, chopped
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 4 (6 ounce)  salmon fillets
•  cooking spray
•  lemon wedge (optional)

Directions

1. Heat butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add leek; cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Add water and peas; cook 5 minutes or until peas are tender.
4. Place pea mixture in a food processor.
5. Add basil, juice, and tarragon; process until smooth, adding more water if necessary.
6. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; keep warm.
7. Sprinkle salmon with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
8. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Coat pan with cooking spray.
10. Add salmon, skin side down, and cook for 6 minutes or until golden.
11. Turn, and cook for 8 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork or until desired degree of doneness.
12. Serve salmon over warm mashed peas. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.