Cedar Seasoned Salmon and Pea Puree

Grilled Salmon with Fresh Mint Pea Purée. Sweet peas are full of vitamins and minerals, and they’re delicious. Easy to work with and complementary to many dishes, everyone should keep a bag of peas in their freezer.

Peas have established themselves as an excellent source of protein, not just because their protein content is high, but because it’s nearly a complete protein and it’s vegan-friendly. A complete protein means the source contains all nine essential amino acids. Peas are legumes, like beans, and contain most of the essential amino acids. Combined with grains, like pasta, rice, or whole wheat bread, a complete protein is created.

Recipe: (Cedar Seasoned Salmon)

• 2 6-8oz salmon filets
• 1 tbsp McCormicks Gourmet Cedar Plank Salmon Seasoning
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

1. Remove salmon from refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature. This will ensure more even cooking.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
3. Pat salmon dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle both sides with the Cedar Plank seasoning.
4. Heat an oven-safe grill pan or cast iron grill pan to medium heat. A pan with raised grill ridged is essential so the seasoning doesn’t burn. Rub olive oil on the ridges with a brush or paper towel.
5. Once the pan is hot, place salmon on the pan and cook for 5 minutes. If the salmon has skin, place it skin side down.
6. Flip the salmon and place the pan in the oven for about 10 minutes for medium, or 12 minutes for medium-well. I find the salmon to be perfect when pulled out of the oven at 135 degrees F*.
   *FDA recommends cooking salmon until it reaches 145 degrees F.

Recipe: (Pea Puree)

• 1 cup frozen sweet peas, thawed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Place thawed peas in food processor and process until they’re finely chopped.
2. Add garlic, mint, salt, and pepper, and blend to incorporate.
3. Drizzle oil slowly through the top of the food processor while continuing to pulse. Blend until smooth. You may also add 1 tbsp of water to thin the purée if needed.