Cumin-Rubbed Salmon Roasted with Tomatoes, Zucchini, Onions & Feta
"Goshdarn, that was good." Okay, so maybe it was worded a little differently, but that was the general sentiment that came from my husband after eating this. He generally likes most things I make and isn't too picky when it comes to eating, but when he sings praises without me bugging him about it (e.g., "Did you like it? No, but I mean REALLY like it? Like make again, like it?"), then I know it's good.
This is pretty straight forward and simple to make, so I felt like even more of a badass wife when I heard his groans of approval, knowing how little effort I put in {insert evil, sneaky, maniacal laughter}. This dish requires little chopping, not too many ingedients and has a fresh, yet hearty, flavor. It was perfectly suited for a warm February evening.
Cumin-Rubbed Salmon Roasted with Tomatoes, Zucchini, Onions & Feta
Serves: 2
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
2 salmon filets
2 tbsp. ground cumin, divided
pinch of salt & lemon pepper (regular pepper works too)
1/4 c. flour
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 small red onion, diced
1 small zucchini, diced
1 15-oz. can fire roasted tomatoes (or a fresh pint of cherry tomatoes if in season!)
pinch of red pepper flakes
1/2 c. feta cheese, crumbled
orzo (or other small pasta), rice, quinoa or couscous, to serve
Method:
1. Preheat oven to broil. Rub salmon filets with 1 tbsp. cumin, salt and lemon pepper. Let sit while you chop the onion and zucchini. After this, dredge the salmon filets in flour and shake off any excess.
2. Heat 2 tbsp. olive oil in a dutch oven or other dish that can go from stovetop to oven. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully set salmon filets in and quickly brown each side of the filet. They don't need to be cooked all the way through because they're going into the oven. Remove from pan, set aside, keeping warm.
3. Add chopped onion and zucchini to the pot and sprinkle with the remaining tbsp. of cumin. Saute until they start to brown and soften. Then add can of tomatoes and red pepper flakes to pan. Continue to cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
4. Nestle the browned salmon filets in amongst the veggies. Top with crumbled feta cheese. Place under broiler and broil until the cheese becomes golden, 5-10 minutes. Serve with a side of orzo, other short pasta or grain.
