Healthy International Recipe: Maple Glazed Salmon with Wild Mushrooms

Geographically the second largest country in the world, Canada’s cuisine varies greatly from coast to coast. Spanning the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, and drawing inspiration from First Nations, England, France, Scotland, and Asian roots, pinning down one Canadian dish is no easy feat. Wild salmon, available from coast to coast, emerges as a natural choice, and a healthy one. Packed with heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and boasting plenty of high quality protein, wild salmon easily upholds its reputation as a health benefit powerhouse. Wild mushrooms flourish in many regions of Canada, and offer ample amounts of vitamin D, B vitamins, and a variety of antioxidants and minerals that boost your immune system and strengthen your body’s defense against disease. Maple syrup, possibly the most famous Canadian ingredient, also offers antioxidants that can help prevent disease, and strengthen your body from the inside out. The maple syrup caramelizes beautifully on the salmon, bringing out its natural sweetness. Getting this delicious and healthy meal to the table is a breeze, going from stove to table in around 30 minutes.

Serves 4

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• Four 6 oz. portions of wild salmon, skin and pin bones removed
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups mixed wild mushrooms, cleaned, trimmed, and thickly sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with tin foil.
2. Space your salmon fillets evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle over the maple syrup, olive oil, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper evenly on each fillet. Make sure each side is coated.
3. Roast the salmon in the oven for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of your fillets. They should start to pull apart and feel firm to the touch. To finish, broil the salmon for a minute under high heat to crisp up the tops.
4. While your salmon is roasting, start the mushrooms. In a large sauté pan, heat the butter over medium high heat, and then add the prepared mushrooms. Sprinkle over some salt and pepper, and cook until the mushrooms release some liquid, 4-6 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic, and cook until the mushrooms are just tender, 8-10 minutes total. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. To serve, plate the salmon on top of the mushrooms, and sprinkle over the chopped parsley. Enjoy!