Salmon and Lentils

I have wanted to try a new recipe for salmon and we think this is a 'keeper'. 

Changes are in parenthesis.

Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 8 ounces French green lentils(I used brown lentils)
• 3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• ***
• 6 (6-ounce) center cut salmon fillets, with skin
• 1/4 cup olive oil plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for garnish
• 2 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows
• ***
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup peeled, seeded and chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken stock
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Directions

In a medium saucepan combine the lentils, garlic cloves, bay leaves, and thyme sprig and add enough water to cover by 1-inch. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook just until tender yet still firm, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Discard the garlic, bay leaves and thyme. Set lentils aside. ( I jumped ahead and sauteed all the vegetables and combined with the lentils and kept warm)
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Rub the salmon fillets on all sides with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and season on all sides with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper. Sprinkle the tops of each salmon fillet lightly with the Essence. Coat the bottom of a nonstick baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the remaining olive oil and add the salmon fillets, skin side down. Transfer the salmon to the oven and roast until medium, 8 to 10 minutes.( I sauteed the salmon in the same fry pan instead of baking)

While the salmon is cooking, heat the remaining olive oil in a medium-large skillet over high heat and, when hot, add the onion, carrot and celery and saute until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, thyme, lentils, and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are warmed through, tender, and flavorful and liquid has reduced slightly, 6 to 8 minutes. Set aside and keep warm until the salmon finishes cooking.
Divide the lentils evenly among the centers of each of 6 dinner plates, and top each bed of lentils with a salmon fillet. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and chives to garnish and drizzle each serving with a teaspoon of the extra-virgin olive oil. Serve immediately.
You can buy his seasoning at the store.

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):
 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 2/3 cup
Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch