Rustic Salmon and Lentils Recipe: Ina Garten’s Hearty Magic

Salmon and lentils dance together in this elegant Ina Garten salmon lentils recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

The combination of delicate fish and hearty legumes creates a stunning main course that’s both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.

Earthy lentils provide a robust foundation for perfectly cooked salmon, delivering layers of rich flavor in every bite.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients weave through this dish, offering a sophisticated yet approachable meal anyone can master.

Fresh herbs and a subtle vinaigrette brighten the entire plate, making each forkful a delightful experience.

Professional techniques ensure the salmon remains tender and the lentils maintain a delectable texture.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet impressive recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Tools Required for Ina’s Salmon Lentil Plate

• Large Heat-Proof Bowl: For soaking lentils with boiling water.
• Sauté Pan: Essential for cooking vegetables and combining ingredients.
• Oven-Proof Sauté Pan: Specifically needed for searing and roasting salmon.
• Stockpot: Large pot for preparing stock (if making homemade).
• Colander: For draining lentils and straining stock.
• Measuring Cups: To measure chicken stock and other liquids.
• Chef's Knife: For chopping onions, leeks, celery, and carrots.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling salmon fillets during cooking.

Steps to Cook Ina Garten’s Salmon & Lentils

Salmon Comfort Plate

• Lentil Soaking Preparation The foundation begins with dried lentils resting in warm water, allowing them to soften and become deliciously tender. Let them soak peacefully while preparing other elements.
• Vegetable Symphony Warm olive oil in a pan and gently sauté onions, leeks, and herbs. Create a fragrant base that will elevate the entire dish with rich, comforting flavors.
• Lentil Foundation Combine softened lentils with sautéed vegetables, adding celery, carrots, and a splash of stock. Let everything simmer together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
• Salmon Searing Magic Heat a heavy pan until it's scorching hot. Gently coat salmon with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper, preparing for a perfect golden crust.
• Perfect Salmon Cooking Place salmon in the hot pan, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior. Transfer to a hot oven to finish cooking, ensuring a succulent and perfectly cooked piece of fish.
• Delightful Plating Spoon the luxurious lentil mixture onto plates, then crown with the beautifully cooked salmon. Serve immediately to capture all the incredible flavors and warmth of this comforting meal.

Tips for Flavoring Ina’s Salmon Lentil Dish

• Soak lentils in boiling water beforehand to reduce cooking time and create a softer, more consistent texture without losing their natural bite.
• Use a digital meat thermometer to check salmon's internal temperature; aim for 125°F for medium-rare, ensuring perfectly cooked fish every time.
• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or tarragon instead of thyme, or add a splash of white wine to the lentil mixture for extra depth and complexity.
• Replace salmon with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu steaks for a plant-based version that still delivers rich, satisfying flavors and protein.
• Prepare lentils and vegetables in advance, then quickly sear salmon just before serving to cut down on total cooking time during busy evenings.

Serving Style: Ina Garten’s Salmon Lentils

• Elevate Dining Experience: Serve this elegant salmon and lentil dish on warm white plates to highlight the rich colors and textures of the meal.
• Garnish with Freshness: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the salmon to add a bright, herbal note and enhance visual appeal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the rich salmon and earthy lentils, balancing the flavors beautifully.
• Accompaniment Magic: Add a small side of roasted seasonal vegetables or a light green salad to create a complete, nutritious meal that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Storing & Reusing Salmon Lentils by Ina Garten

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover salmon and lentils separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Salmon stays fresh for 1-2 days, while lentils maintain quality for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: Cool the lentil mixture completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Lentils freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing cooked salmon, as it loses texture and flavor.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm lentils gently in a saucepan with a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Reheat salmon briefly in a 275°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Cook lentils and chop vegetables in advance to streamline meal preparation. Store prepped ingredients in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

All Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Salmon Lentils

• French Green Lentils: Hearty legumes with a rich, earthy flavor that hold their shape perfectly during cooking.
• Chicken Stock: Provides deep, savory foundation that infuses the lentils with rich, comforting flavor.
• Celery: Adds a crisp, fresh texture and subtle herbal undertone to the lentil mixture.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Onions, Leeks: Create a robust aromatic base with layered, mellow onion flavors.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent depth to the overall lentil preparation.
• Tomato Paste: Contributes rich umami and slight tanginess to enhance the lentil complexity.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Brightens the entire dish with a zesty, sharp accent.

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish with beautiful, delicate texture and rich omega-3 benefits.
• Olive Oil: Helps create perfect golden-brown crust and adds silky moisture to the fish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate and highlight the salmon's natural flavors.

• Fresh Thyme: Introduces earthy, slightly minty herbaceous notes.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, clean finishing touch to the dish.

Elegant Salmon Lentils Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Barefoot Contessa’s salmon lentils combine French-inspired elegance with hearty comfort. Mediterranean flavors merge seamlessly, offering home cooks a sophisticated yet approachable dish you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 (226 g, 8 oz) salmon fillets, center-cut, skin removed
• 3 (2.27 kg, 5 lb) whole chickens
• 2 cups yellow onions, chopped
• 3 large onions, unpeeled and quartered
• 2 cups leeks, white and light green parts only, chopped
• 1 ½ cups celery, chopped (4 stalks)
• 4 celery stalks with leaves, cut in thirds
• 1 ½ cups carrots, chopped (3 carrots)
• 6 carrots, unpeeled and halved
• 4 parsnips, unpeeled and cut in half (optional)
• 1 head garlic, unpeeled and cut in half crosswise
• 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 20 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 15 sprigs fresh thyme
• 20 sprigs fresh dill
• ½ lb (227 g) French green lentils (lentilles du Puy)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 ½ cups chicken stock, homemade (recipe follows) or good canned broth
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 2 tbsps red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsps kosher salt
• 2 tsps whole black peppercorns

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Lentil Preparation: Submerge lentils in boiling water for 15 minutes, then drain thoroughly to eliminate excess liquid.
2. Aromatic Base: In a sauté pan, warm olive oil and gently sauté onions, leeks, thyme, salt, and pepper over medium heat until onions turn translucent, roughly 10 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes to develop complex flavors.
3. Lentil Composition: Integrate drained lentils, chopped celery, diced carrots, chicken stock, and tomato paste into the pan. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils become tender. Finish with a splash of vinegar and fine-tune seasoning.
4. Salmon Preparation: Preheat oven to 232 degrees Celsius. Select an oven-proof sauté pan and heat on high for 4 minutes. Massage salmon fillets with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
5. Salmon Cooking: Sear fillets in the scorching pan for 2 minutes to develop a rich brown crust. Flip carefully and transfer pan to preheated oven, roasting 5-7 minutes until salmon reaches desired doneness.
6. Plating: Create a lentil foundation on plates, positioning salmon fillets atop the aromatic bed. Serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and flavor intensity.

Notes

• Lentil Hydration Hack: Boil water and soak lentils for exactly 15 minutes to ensure perfect texture and remove excess starch.
• Flavor Layering Technique: Sauté onions, leeks, and garlic slowly to develop a rich, deep flavor base for the lentils.
• Salmon Searing Secret: Use an oven-proof pan heated on high for 4 minutes to create a perfectly crispy salmon exterior.
• Temperature Precision: Roast salmon at 232°C for 5-7 minutes to achieve ideal doneness without overcooking the delicate fish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg