Sounds Fishy To Me

Lidia Bastianich's first cookbook, La Cucina di Lidia,contains some true gems.  This book has more biographical information about Lidia's roots and culinary influences than her later works. It's an entertaining read with some great recipes. This one for Salmon with Mustard Sauce was completely unexpected and it's a keeper. Simple to prepare and, if you like salmon, absolutely delicious.

SALMONE ALLA SENAPE

(Salmon with Mustard Sauce)

1. 1 1/2 pounds skinless salmon fillet (4 pieces)
2. Flour for dredging
3. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5. 1/2 cup dry white wine
6. Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
7. 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
8. 1/2 cup fish stock
9. Juice of 1/2 lemon
10. 1/4 cup heavy cream

Lightly flour the salmon. In a large non-reactive skillet heat the oil, add the salmon and saute over moderate heat until golden, turning once, about 3 minutes per side. Set the salmon aside and discard the oil from the pan.

Add the butter, wine ,salt and pepper to the pan and bring to a simmer. Add the mustard, fish stock and lemon juice. Simmer over moderately high heat for 5 minutes.

Gradually add the cream, stirring constantly and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the salmon to the sauce and simmer until the fish is well coated and the sauce is reduced to 1/3 cup, about 3 minutes longer.

With a spatula,carefully transfer the fillets to serving plates. Strain the sauce, spoon a little over each fillet and serve the remained in a sauceboat.

Salmon with Mustard Sauce