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Pan Seared "Tuscan" Salmon with a Creamed Cauliflower Sauce

5 from 1 vote
A lighter take on the traditional dish, made with creamed cauliflower instead of heavy cream. Just as rich, flavorful and delicious!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into pieces
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 salmon fillets (I used skinless)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ cups chicken broth (veggie is fine too!)
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 3 cups spinach

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the cauliflower. Cook until softened, around 8-10 minutes. Drain the cauliflower and add to a blender with the shallot, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth, around 30 seconds. Set aside
  2. Coat a medium pan with olive oil. Turn the heat to medium high. Add the salmon and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. I try to buy thinner fillets when pan searing. If you have a thicker fillet you may need to cook longer. Remove from the pan and set aside. Do not clean out the pan, you will use the juices for the sauce.
  3. To the same pan on medium low heat, add the butter and melt. Add the onions and cook until translucent, around 7-8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add the cauliflower mixture to the onions and tomatoes. Stir and then slowly add in the chicken broth ½ cup at a time. Mix well. Add in the spinach. Cover the pan for an additional 5 minutes to wilt the spinach and stir.
  5. Add the salmon back to the pan and cover in sauce. Serve and enjoy!