Whole Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes and Fennel
Don’t be afraid of cooking whole fish because it’s easier than you might think and the results are spectacular. The Mediterranean flavours of tomato and fennel also work well with white fish but the salmon gives a richer result, perfect as the weather cools down.
How long will it take?
30 minutes
What’s the serving size?
Serves 6 - 8
What do I need?
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds
- 2 tsp dried chilli flakes
- 2 lemons, zested and sliced
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 2kg whole salmon
- ½ bunch parsley, chopped, stalks reserved
- 1 bulb fennel, sliced lengthways
- 2 red onions, sliced into rings
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle
- 200g cherry tomatoes on the vine
- 200g cherry yellow tomatoes on the vine
- 3 thick slices sourdough, torn into small pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
How do I make it?
- Preheat the oven to 200C.
- Grind the fennel seeds, chilli, zest and salt with a mortar and pestle then sprinkle the mix inside and over the salmon and place most of the lemon slices and the parsley stalks into the cavity. Lay the rest of the lemon slices on the base of a large baking tray, then put the salmon on top.
- Arrange the fennel and onion in the tray then drizzle with 1 tbsp of oil and cook for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and add the tomatoes and an extra drizzle of oil, and cook for 15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large pan, add the bread pieces and garlic and cook over a medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Remove and allow to cool before stirring through the parsley.
- Serve the fish with the veggies, extra pan juices and crunchy crumbs scattered over the top.
Recipe from Bill Granger
