Nordic Salmon with Spelt and Lemon Spinach

This dish comes together swiftly, ensuring a complete and nutritious meal in around half an hour. It’s designed for those seeking a light, nutrient-rich option, inspired by the principles of the Nordic diet, which champions wholegrains, fish, and fresh vegetables for a positive impact on blood sugar levels and overall well-being. Embrace the simplicity of wholesome ingredients and efficient cooking to nourish your body without compromising on flavour or your valuable time.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (approx. 5.3-6.3 oz (150-180g) each)
• 5.3 oz (150g) pearled spelt (cooking time approx. 18-20 minutes)
• 7.1 oz (200g) fresh pre-washed baby spinach
• 1 lemon, organic if possible
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• A small bunch of fresh dill (approx. 0.4 oz (10g))
• Fine salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Bring a generous amount of salted water to the boil in a medium saucepan. Add the pearled spelt and cook for approximately 18-20 minutes, or according to package instructions, until tender but still al dente.
2. Whilst the spelt is cooking, pat the salmon fillets dry with kitchen paper, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Finely chop the dill and slice half of the lemon into thin rounds, squeezing the juice from the remaining half.
3. Heat one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy.
4. Flip the salmon and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Add the lemon slices to the pan for the last two minutes to warm them through and release their aroma.
5. Once cooked, drain the spelt and transfer it to a bowl. Add the fresh baby spinach, one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, the squeezed lemon juice, and half of the chopped dill. Mix gently to wilt the spinach and combine the flavours. Serve the spelt with the spinach and salmon, garnishing with the remaining dill and lemon slices.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve immediately to best enjoy the crispy salmon and fresh spinach. Any leftover salmon and spelt can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. It is recommended to consume them cold or reheated gently to maintain their texture.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Crafting a balanced, nutritious meal like this shouldn’t be a chore. Incorporating simple methods and fresh ingredients into your weekly routine is a highly effective way to bolster your well-being without sacrificing flavour. SmartKitchen30 champions this stress-free approach, making healthy eating easily achievable for everyone.