“What’s for dinner?” Oi, it’s the dreaded phrase I hear when my husband comes home. He still can’t seem to understand that I’m able to go a full 10 hours at home and still not have dinner planned. Regardless of whether you are a working mom or stay at home mom, it’s still difficult to fit in a gourmet meal! I’m sure I’ve mentioned my love for cooking, but some nights I just don’t have it in me or I’ve simply ran out of time. One thing I have gotten really good at is lying when the dreaded “what’s for dinner” question comes up. So picture this: It’s 5:30 pm, husband walks in the door and goes to get out of work clothes, he hollers from the bedroom “what’s for dinner?”, then Allison runs like a maniac to the deep freeze, grabs 2 SockEye Salmon filets, throws them in the kitchen sink with some cold water, and belts out a reply across the house “Oh, I’ve planned a Salmon dinner all day… does that sound okay?” Seriously, that’s my life. If you need a “go to” meal that’s healthy, tasty, easy to clean up, and best of all, fast, then you have to check out “Salmon a la Mack!” So here’s what you need:
What you need for a meal for you and the hubs:
Olive Oil
Foil
2-Baking Sheets
2- Salmon Filets
Magic Salmon Seasoning: Can be found at any HEB
1-Zucchini
1-Squash
¼-Yellow Sweet Onion
3-Garlic Cloves
Parmesan Cheese (I use pre-grated, but fresh is always good too!)
Chili Powder
Sea Salt, Garlic Salt, or Salt
Pepper
CousCous (I use the Near East brand and any flavor will do)
First, take your 2 baking sheets and line them with foil (this makes for an easier cleanup at the end). Then chop your zucchini and squash into about ¼ inch slivers, chop ½ an onion into long or diced pieces, and mince your garlic cloves. Toss the veggies in a bowl with just enough olive oil to coat the veggies. Sprinkle with chili powder, salt, and pepper and toss again. Pour evenly out onto a baking sheet and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Place in 350 degree oven. Next take your 2nd baking sheet and lightly coat with olive oil (1-2 table spoons) and place your 2 salmon filets skin side down on the sheet. Dab olive oil on meat side of fish and sprinkle with Magic Salmon Seasoning. Place in oven and set timer for 7-10 minutes. As you put your salmon in the oven, take out the veggies and flip/stir with a spatula taking care not to rip the foil (this is just to make sure they don’t stick to the foil while cooking). Continue to cook the veggies until salmon is ready. Meanwhile, cook couscous to specifications on box. You can use any flavor of couscous, they are all good and have the same flavor concept. 7-10 minutes should be enough time with the salmon, but make sure it flakes with a fork before you serve it. Take both the salmon and the veggies out of the oven. At this point the veggies should have been in the oven for about 15 minutes. Take 2 plates, place a salmon filet on each, spoon the veggies and the couscous onto the plate and there ya have it folks; a gourmet meal in less than 30 minutes!
I’ve never met a person who didn’t go ga-ga over the vegetable medley and the salmon is just a win-win with flavor, omega 3, and simple goodness. And the couscous is an easy and healthy alternative to have that tasty starch! Now go cook!
Save the chickens and cows–eat more fish!
