Apricot-Mustard Salmon with Massaged Chard

Yield: 4 Servings

Recipe by Lynmar Estate Chef David Frakes

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Use your hands to separate the chard’s stems and leaves.
  2. Save the stems for another day. Slice the leaves into thin ribbons and add to a large bowl.
  3. Sprinkle with salt and gently massage to slightly soften.
  4. Position a rack in the upper quarter of the oven and turn on the broiler.
  5. Pat-dry the salmon, then sprinkle all over with salt.
  6. Combine the jam and Dijon in a small bowl and season with salt to taste.
  7. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  8. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons oil and, when that’s hot, add the salmon, skin-side down, and immediately press with a spatula (this prevents curling). Drop the heat to medium-low and cook for 4 minutes.
  9. Meanwhile, drizzle the chard with oil and lemon juice to sight.
  10. Toss, taste, and adjust the salt, oil, and lemon juice if needed-aim for punchy-bright, since the salmon is rich.
  11. After 4 minutes, turn off the stove, flip the salmon, and use the spatula (or your fingers) to peel off the skin.
  12. Lay the skin pieces across one half of the baking sheet,
  13. Flip the salmon again (so the barely cooked side is facing up), transfer to the empty half of the baking sheet, and brush the glaze on top.
  14. Broil for 3 to 4 minutes, checking frequently, until the glaze is bubbling and the skin is crisp as a cracker (you may need to rotate the pan to encourage even cooking or remove the skin earlier if it’s ready first).
  15. Serve the glazed salmon and chard salad with lemon wedges to squeeze and crispy salmon skin to crumble on top.