Monday, August 29, 2011

Fruit & Nut Couscous & Salmon Skewers

This is definitely my favorite fish recipe that I have made in a very long time! The salmon turned out moist and perfect. The couscous was very good, but it was way too much. Next time I would make some adjustments: I'd start with half the amount of couscous, and I'd soak the apricots in some extra chicken broth before adding them to the couscous so that the dried fruit doesn't absorb all the moisture. I will post the recipe below and the pictures. yum! My main gripe is that the salmon had the skin on (I didn't know that when I bought it). It was really GROSS to try to get the meat away from the skin neatly. Ewwwwwwwwwwww.



Fruit & Nut Couscous with Salmon Skewers

3 c chicken stock
1 onion, finely diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1/4 c ea of dried apricots and dried cranberries, chopped
¼ c shelled pistachios
2 c couscous
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 lb salmon, chopped into 1” cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp turmeric
kosher salt & pepper
Gather these tools: cutting board, chef's knife, dry and wet measuring cups, measuring spoons, medium saucepan, large saute pan, wooden spoon, sheet pan, skewers
Preheat the oven to broil. (Soak skewers in water if wooden.) Bring the chicken stock to a simmer in a saucepan, cover, and keep warm.
In a large saute pan over medium-high heat, saute the onion in olive oil for about 5 minutes, until tender and turning golden brown. Add the turmeric, cumin, and coriander and stir well to coat. Add in the apricots and pistachios. Then add the couscous and combine well.
Return the chicken stock to a boil over high heat and pour it over the couscous mixture. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and remove from the heat. Let stand for 10-15 minutes, or until the broth is absorbed. Then fluff couscous with fork, and stir in the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Set aside.
Skewer the salmon on four small skewers. Combine the oil, turmeric, salt and pepper in a small bowl with the salmon. Place the skewers on a broiling pan lined with aluminum foil and place under the broiler. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. DO NOT OVERCOOK!!!