This month, the challenge was to prepare a dish using a technique you've never tried before. I've never poached anything in my life, so I decided to go with that. While on vacation at the beach with my family, the women each had to cook one night, so I figured I'd use my whole family as guinea pigs and try it out. I looked up some recipes to get an idea of how to do it, but I basically made it up myself. It got rave reviews from the guinea pigs, so I think it may be a repeat!
I filled a deep skillet about 2/3 full with water, and added 2 cubes of chicken bouillon. Once those dissolved, I squeezed in some lemon juice, and some honey for sweetness. I chopped up some freshly picked dill, basil, parsley, and chives, and tossed some of that in the poaching liquid as well. I seasoned the salmon with a little salt and pepper and let it sit for a minute. I let the poaching liquid boil for a minute or two to let the flavors come out and combine, and then I slid the salmon fillets in. I cooked them for 10-15 minutes, until they were firm and non-translucent. After I took them out and put them on the platter, I sprinkled them with more of the fresh herb mixture.
The salmon was very moist, and very flavorful. Poaching is way easier than I thought!
I served it with fruit salad (duh! :) ), rice, and sauteed squash and zucchini. (Slice each squash long ways, then cut horizontally into small slices. Season with salt and pepper, then saute in a small amount of butter. I like it best when some caramelization gets on the veggies. Yum!) All in all, it was a great "at the beach" meal!
