CRISP ATLANTIC SALMON ON LENTILS WITH MOROCCAN SPICED TOMATO SAUCE WITH HARISSA, SERVED WITH TZATZIKI AND GRILLED NAN BREAD

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Pre-heat grill.
• Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat, add the shallots and garlic, and season. Saute until the vegetables are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the harissa and stir. Cook for 3-5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and 4 tablespoons of the spice blend, or to taste.
• Toast the above in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for five minutes (or on the stove over medium heat). Grind the mixture in a spice or coffee grinder.
• Coat the salmon.
• Finish the Sauce:
• Working in batches, puree the mixture in a food processor, until the liquid is smooth. Set aside until ready to use. Makes enough for at least twelve fillets.
• Heat saute pan, add stock and lentils and simmer until liquid almost evaporates. Stir in butter, season and serve.
• Bring two saute pans to high heat, add the olive oil, and when hot, add salmon fillets, skin-side down (do not crowd pan). Shake pans to be sure the fillets are not sticking. Add the butter little bits at a time, shaking the pan to incorporate the butter into the oil. Place pan in oven for 4-5 minutes to roast.
• Make the tzatziki: 32 ounces yogurt 2 English cucumbers, peeled, seeded and diced 4 cloves of garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste
• Place yogurt in cheese cloth, tie the end closed with kitchen string and hang it on a rack, above a bowl, in the refrigerator. Allow to drain for two hours or overnight. Discard the liquid in the bowl, and blend the yogurt with the remaining ingredients.
• Combine oil, garlic and salt. Using a pastry brush, coat the bread lightly with the oil and place on grill. Cook to mark bread, turn to mark other side and serve.
• To serve:
• Mound lentils in center of plate. Place salmon fillet on top, skin side up. Surround with sauce. Present with side dishes of tzatziki and nan bread.