Salmon Braised in Pinot Noir (One Serving)
- bacon, 1 slice, uncooked, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
- 2 ounces small mushrooms, cut into 1/4 inch slices (about 3/4 c)
- kosher salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- 1 small leek, finely chopped (1/2 c)
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped (1 T)
- 1 cup light red wine, such as pinot noir or 1 cup beaujolais wine
- 1 sprig thyme
- 6 ounces salmon fillets, 1 inch thick with the skin on, rinsed and patted dry
- Cook's note: To clean leeks for this recipe, discard outer layer and trim the root end and dark green leaves.
- Cut crosswise into 1/2 inch pieces, place in a bowl and cover with cool water.
- Let sit for about 10 minutes to allow sediment to fall to the bottom of the bowl; drain and pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat over to 350F.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium heat, add bacon and cook for 8 minutes or until crisp.
- Transfer bacon to a small plate and pour all but a teaspoons of bacon grease into a small bowl.
- Return the skillet to the stove and increase the heat to medium-high.
- Add 1 tsp of the butter and the mushrooms, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes, ntil the mushrooms release their moisture and it then evaporates.
- Add to the bacon on the plate.
- Return the skillet to medium high heat.
- Add the leek and shallot, stirring to coat with the butter and bacon fat.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are starting to brown.
- Add the wine and thyme and bring to a boil.
- Cook for about 3 or 4 mintes or until the wine has reduced by half.
- Season the salmon lightly on both sides with salt and pepper then place in the skillet, skin side down.
- Cover tightly and transfer to the over.
- Quick braise for 7 to 8 minutes, checking to make sure that the liquid is barely bubbling.
- (Reduce heat accordingly if it is bubbling too hard.
- ).
- The salmon will be done when it is opaque on the outside yet slightly translucent in the center.
- Transfer the cooked fillet to a service plate; cover loosely while you finish the sauce.
- Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the liquid into a bowl, pressing on the vegetables and thyme to extract as much liquid and flavor as possible.
- Discard the solids.
- Return the strained liquid to the skillet and place over medium heat.
- Cook for a few minutes, until the wine is reduced is redced by one third, then whisk in the remaining tsp of butter.
- Add the reserved bacon and mushrooms, stirring to combine.
- Cook for a minute or so until heated through; taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Spoon the sauce over the salmon and serve hot.
bacon, unsalted butter, mushrooms, kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, shallot, light red wine, thyme, salmon
Taken from www.food.com/recipe/salmon-braised-in-pinot-noir-one-serving-379921 (may not work)