BRAISED SALMON WITH BASIL, ALMONDS AND LEMON

BRAISED SALMON WITH BASIL, ALMONDS AND LEMON image

Number Of Ingredients 6

6 (6 1/2 ounce) portions each about 1 inch thick
kosher salt
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup whoe natural almonds, lightlly toasted and coarsely chopped
1 lemon cut into wedges.

Steps:

Season the fish with a few generous pinches of salt. Cover and refrigerated for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the fish from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 400. In a food processor pulse the basil until it forms a coarse paste. With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil. Place the salmon in a baking pan and coat the top with the basil mixture. Add enought water to the pan-about 1/2 cup to come halfway up the sides of the fish. Transfer the pan to the oven and braise the fish for about 10 min. for portioned fish or 15 to 20 for a whole side. To serve, using a slotted spatula, transfer the prtions to a warmed platter. Sprinkle the almonds over the top and finish with a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.