Salmon with Dziugas Mild Cheese and Mustard Sauce

This delightful and aromatic salmon dish pairs the rich flavors of salmon with a creamy mustard and cheese sauce. It's a quick recipe, requiring only about 25 minutes to prepare and cook, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of freshly grated Dziugas Mild cheese, aged for 12 months, and the zesty mustard adds a unique twist to the creamy sauce. Fennel complements the dish by providing a fresh and subtle licorice note. This recipe not only offers a hearty meal but also serves as an introduction to Baltic flavors, fusing them with classic culinary techniques. It's perfect for those who appreciate gourmet dining experiences at home. The dish can be served with a simple salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich flavors. Follow the detailed steps below to recreate this exceptional meal in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

150 g salmon fillet
50 g grated Dziugas Mild cheese (aged 12 months)
50 ml cream (36%)
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon mustard
1/4 bunch fennel

Preparation Time

Total Time: 25 minutes (including preparation and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Sprinkle salt over the salmon fillet. Finely chop 1/4 bunch of fennel and sprinkle it on top of the salmon.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (356°F) and allow it to preheat.
Bake the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillet on a baking tray and cook in the oven for approximately 15 minutes until it's tender and cooked through.
Start the Sauce: While the salmon bakes, begin preparing the sauce. Pour 50 ml of cream into a saucepan over medium heat.
Add Ingredients to the Sauce: As the cream warms, add the grated Dziugas Mild cheese, honey, and mustard.
Season the Sauce: Season the sauce lightly with salt. Stir continuously to blend the ingredients.
Add Fennel: Chop the remaining 1/4 bunch of fennel finely and add it to the saucepan.
Thicken the Sauce: Continue stirring the sauce over gentle heat, allowing it to thicken. This should take about 5 minutes.
Check the Salmon: Once time is up, check the salmon for doneness. The flesh should be flaky and moist.
Assemble the Dish: Place the baked salmon on a serving plate. Spoon the thickened mustard-cheese sauce generously over the salmon.
Garnish: Decorate the dish with a sprig of fennel or fresh herbs for a fresh touch.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with your choice of side dish.

Tips

Cheese Variants: If Dziugas Mild cheese isn't available, substitute with another aged cheese like Parmesan.
Fennel Substitution: If fennel isn't to your taste, try substituting with fresh dill.
Even Cooking: To ensure the salmon cooks evenly, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Fats: 33 g
Carbs: 4 g

Variations

Lighter Sauce: Use half the cream and add a splash of white wine for a lighter sauce.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of spice.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Pair with roasted potatoes or a simple green salad.
Garnishes: Add a wedge of lemon or lime for a zesty kick.
Wine Pairing: Serve with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

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