Oven-Steamed Salmon With Lentils and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Updated June 6, 2024

Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Rating
4(104)
Comments
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Lentils and salmon are a classic combination, a popular French bistro dish. The black "beluga" lentils are a nice choice because they stay intact and the color contrasts nicely with the salmon. In the classic dish the lentils might be cooked with bacon or a little sausage. In this recipe, sun-dried tomatoes add a savory layer of flavor to the lentils.

Featured in: Lentils: A Versatile Staple Flavors Classic International Dishes

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Ingredients

Yield:Serves 4
  • 2tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2garlic cloves, minced
  • ½pound beluga lentils (1⅛ cup), rinsed
  • 2ounces sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1bay leaf
  • Salt, preferably kosher salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • pounds salmon fillets, either in 1 piece or cut up
  • Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, chervil, thyme for garnish
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

657 calories; 31 grams fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 12 grams monounsaturated fat; 8 grams polyunsaturated fat; 46 grams carbohydrates; 8 grams dietary fiber; 8 grams sugars; 51 grams protein; 646 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan or soup pot over medium heat and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes, and add ½ teaspoon salt and the garlic. Stir together for a minute, until fragrant, and add the lentils, sun-dried tomatoes, bay leaf, and enough water to cover by an inch. Bring to a simmer, cover and simmer 25 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and simmer another 5 to 10 minutes, until the lentils are tender and aromatic. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove the bay leaf and the sun-dried tomatoes. Keep warm while you cook the salmon.

  2. Step 2

    While the lentils are cooking, preheat the oven to 300ºF. Cover a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil the foil. Place the salmon on top. Season with salt and pepper. Fill a roasting pan with boiling water and place it on the oven floor.

  3. Step 3

    Place the salmon in the oven and bake until the fish flakes and white bubbles of protein appear on the surface, 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the fillets. Remove from the heat.

  4. Step 4

    Using a slotted spoon, spoon the lentils onto 4 dinner plates and place a serving of salmon on top. Sprinkle with herbs, and serve.

Tip
  • Advance preparation: You can make the lentils 2 to 3 days ahead and reheat.

Ratings

4 out of 5
104 user ratings
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Comments

Surprised that mouse is soft and airy. I would have assumed it would be pretty bony with not much meat.

I love this way of cooking salmon. I refer to this recipe, even when not making the lentils. Lentils are tasty as well.

Why remove the sun-dried tomatoes? Is there a downside to leaving them in?

If I am not mistaken, a recipe very similar to this recipe was published maybe 15 years ago in NYT. I made it so many times since I first discovered the recipe, I didn't need to refer to refer to Until I couldn't remember it; I hadn't made it in a few years. Last week I scoured NYT salmon recipes and was so disappointed that I couldn't find it. AND HERE IT IS! Thank you! Over the years I made modifications: added goat cheese as I plated it and served it on a bed of arugula.

Made this dish, tonite, and no I did not remove the sun-dried tomatoes. I think it doesn't matter what color lentils you use (I used green). Made the salmon as I usually do. Roasted in a foil envelope in the oven w/ lemon, capers and dill at 500@ for 15 mins. Open packet immediately when you remove from oven to stop cooking. Turns out perfect, every time! Delicious! Served with some Jasmine rice.

This recipe is quite nice, however, I did not remove the sun dried tomatoes. I am not sure why it says to do so. I added a mild spice rub to the salmon before cooking it also. I think it would have been quite bland had I not added some seasoning other than salt and pepper.

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