Springtime Salmon: Salmon in Lemon Brodetto with Pea Puree

Here is a tasty and elegant springtime recipe — perfect for a dinner party.  The lemony broth, pan-seared salmon, and sweet pea puree is a delicious and fresh combination. When plated, the dish looks like it would be very time consuming and difficult but it was surprisingly quick and easy!

The sweet pea puree was especially delicious — I think this will become a springtime side dish staple.

Tim and I both loved our dinner — it just tasted like spring!

Salmon in Lemon Brodetto with Pea Puree
Giada de Laurentiis

Lemon Brodetto:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 shallot, diced
* 2 lemons, juiced
* 1 lemon, zested
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves

Pea Puree:
* 2 cups frozen peas, thawed (about 10 ounces)
* 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
* 1 clove garlic
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Salmon:
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 4 (4 to 6-ounce) pieces salmon
* Kosher salt
* Freshly ground black pepper

To make the Lemon Brodetto, warm the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and saute until tender, about 7 minutes. Add the lemon juice, zest, and broth. Bring to a simmer, and keep warm, covered, over low heat.

To make the Pea Puree, combine the peas, mint, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor and puree. With the machine running, add the olive oil in a steady drizzle. Transfer the pea puree to a small bowl and stir in the Parmesan. Set aside.

To make the Salmon, warm the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over high heat. Season the salmon pieces with salt and pepper. Sear the salmon until a golden crust forms, about 4 to 5 minutes on the first side. Flip the fish and continue cooking until medium-rare, about 2 minutes more depending on the thickness of the fish.

To assemble the dish, add the tablespoon chopped mint to the Lemon Brodetto and divide between 4 shallow dishes. Place a large spoonful of Pea Puree into the center of each bowl. Place a salmon piece atop each mound of Pea Puree. Serve immediately.

Serves 4.