Full Recipe
Ingredients:
-
250g baby potatoes, thickly sliced
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 leek, halved, washed, and sliced
-
1 garlic clove, crushed
-
70ml double cream
-
1 tbsp capers, plus extra to serve
-
1 tbsp chives, plus extra to serve
-
2 skinless salmon fillets
-
Mixed rocket salad, to serve (optional)
Directions:
-
Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Bring a medium pan of water to the boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 8 minutes. Drain and leave to steam-dry in a colander for a few minutes. Toss the potatoes with half of the oil and plenty of seasoning in a baking tray. Put in the oven for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through the cooking time.
-
Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the leek and fry for 5 minutes, or until beginning to soften. Stir through the garlic for 1 minute, then add the cream, capers, and 75ml hot water, then bring to the boil. Stir through the chives.
-
Heat the grill to high. Pour the creamy leek mixture over the potatoes, then sit the salmon fillets on top. Grill for 7-8 minutes, or until just cooked through. Serve topped with extra chives and capers and a salad on the side, if you like.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 696 kcal per serving | Servings: 2 servings
Creamy Salmon, Leek & Potato Traybake: A Comforting, One-Pan Delight
If you’re in search of a dish that is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup, the Creamy Salmon, Leek & Potato Traybake is a perfect choice. This hearty, comforting recipe combines tender salmon fillets, creamy leeks, and perfectly roasted potatoes, all baked together in one tray. It’s an ideal dinner for busy weeknights when you want something delicious yet simple to prepare, but it’s also elegant enough for a weekend dinner or special occasion.
In this article, we will delve into why this dish is a must-try, the health benefits of the ingredients, and how this traybake has all the qualities of a classic comfort meal with a modern twist.
The Simplicity of a One-Pan Dish
One of the greatest advantages of the Creamy Salmon, Leek & Potato Traybake is its simplicity. A traybake is a type of dish where all the ingredients are placed together in one pan and cooked in the oven, eliminating the need for multiple pots and pans. This method not only saves time during preparation but also ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, allowing each ingredient to complement the other.
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are looking for meals that don’t require a lot of effort but still deliver on flavor. This traybake meets both of those needs. By layering ingredients such as baby potatoes, leeks, and salmon in a single tray, all you need is some time in the oven for the dish to come together. It’s a no-fuss approach to cooking that guarantees a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Why Choose Salmon?
Salmon is a star ingredient in this dish, and for good reason. This fatty fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health, improving brain function, and reducing inflammation in the body. Omega-3s are also thought to play a role in enhancing mood and cognitive performance, making salmon a great choice for overall well-being.
In addition to being incredibly healthy, salmon is a versatile and flavorful fish. It has a delicate, yet rich taste and a buttery texture that makes it pair beautifully with creamy sauces and roasted vegetables. The mild flavors of the salmon are the perfect complement to the savory leeks and potatoes in this traybake, creating a balanced dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Leeks: The Unsung Hero of Vegetables
While potatoes often get the spotlight in dishes like this, the leeks deserve special mention for their unique flavor and numerous health benefits. Leeks are members of the allium family, which also includes garlic, onions, and shallots. They share a mild, sweet flavor similar to onions but are far more subtle, which makes them a perfect addition to a creamy sauce without overpowering other ingredients.
Leeks are a great source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin K, which is important for bone health, and folate, which helps maintain heart health and supports healthy fetal development during pregnancy. They are also high in fiber, which is essential for digestive health and helps to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Adding leeks to the traybake not only elevates the flavor profile of the dish but also boosts its nutritional value.
Potatoes: The Comfort Food Staple
Potatoes are often considered comfort food, and rightfully so. Their fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors make them an essential part of many hearty dishes. In this recipe, the baby potatoes are sliced thickly, ensuring that they cook evenly while maintaining their texture. The natural starch in the potatoes combines with the creamy sauce, making them incredibly tender and flavorful by the time they come out of the oven.
Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy and help maintain a healthy immune system. When paired with the other ingredients in this traybake, potatoes provide a filling and satisfying base that balances the richness of the salmon and cream.
The Creamy Sauce: A Flavor Enhancer
The creamy sauce in this recipe is the glue that brings all the ingredients together. Made from a blend of double cream, garlic, capers, and chives, the sauce is the perfect complement to the salmon and potatoes. The richness of the cream gives the dish a velvety texture, while the capers add a salty tang that balances the creaminess. Chives bring a mild onion-like flavor to the sauce, brightening up the overall dish.
While this dish is comforting and indulgent, it also benefits from the inclusion of capers, which add a burst of briny flavor. This small ingredient enhances the dish’s complexity, making it more sophisticated without overwhelming the other ingredients. The combination of these ingredients creates a sauce that is rich, tangy, and satisfying.
Health Benefits of the Dish
Not only is the Creamy Salmon, Leek & Potato Traybake delicious, but it also has several health benefits, particularly from the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and the fiber-rich leeks and potatoes. Omega-3s are known to support cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and lowering triglyceride levels. These healthy fats are also beneficial for brain health, helping to protect against cognitive decline as we age.
The fiber content in both the leeks and the potatoes is essential for digestive health. Fiber promotes regular bowel movements, helps control blood sugar levels, and can contribute to weight management by promoting feelings of fullness. By including these ingredients in the recipe, the dish becomes a well-rounded meal that supports both heart and digestive health.
How to Serve the Traybake
This Creamy Salmon, Leek & Potato Traybake is a complete meal in itself, but it can also be served with a side salad for extra freshness. A mixed rocket salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this dish, cutting through the richness of the creamy sauce. The crispness of the greens contrasts nicely with the tender potatoes and the succulent salmon, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
For those who enjoy extra flavor, consider serving the dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the leftover creamy sauce. The bread will add a nice texture and allow you to enjoy every bit of the sauce.
The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
This traybake is an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner. It’s simple to prepare, doesn’t require much attention while cooking, and is incredibly satisfying. The best part is that the recipe is flexible—you can easily scale it up for a larger crowd or adjust it to suit your preferences. If you prefer a lighter option, you can reduce the cream or swap it for a lower-fat alternative. You can also swap the salmon for other fish like trout or cod, or even use chicken if you prefer a poultry-based dish.
The one-pan method makes this dish not only easy but also convenient for busy families or individuals. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, it’s the ideal dinner solution for those with hectic schedules.
Conclusion:
The Creamy Salmon, Leek & Potato Traybake is a flavorful, balanced, and nutritious meal that combines the best of comfort food with the richness of salmon and the health benefits of leeks and potatoes. With its simple preparation, minimal cleanup, and versatile ingredients, this traybake is bound to become a family favorite.
The dish offers a deliciously creamy and savory experience without being overly complicated. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, this traybake will satisfy your hunger and leave you feeling content. With its well-rounded flavors and nutrient-rich ingredients, it’s a meal that combines health and indulgence in perfect harmony.
So why not give this recipe a try? Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, you’ll find that the Creamy Salmon, Leek & Potato Traybake is an easy and delightful addition to your recipe repertoire.