Here is a lovely, snappy, little fish supper that is full of flavor and texture and a jot to make.
heaping 1 cup couscous
3 tsp. kosher salt or 1 1/2 tsp. table salt
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 tbs. grated fresh ginger
1 cup boiling water
1/2 small red onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tbs. garlic flavored olive oil, plus 1 tsp.
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
4 salmon fillets
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Put the couscous in a heatproof bowl with 2 tsp.of the kosher salt (or 1 tsp. table salt), 1/4 tsp. of the paprika and the ginger. Give everything a stir, then pour in the boiling water. Cover the bowl and leave to one side.
Zest the lemon into a shallow dish large enough to hold the salmon, then stir in the remaining salt, remaining paprika and 1 tbs. of the oil. Add the salmon and turn over in the oily mixture.
Heat a large skillet and cook the salmon for 2-3 minutes per side (or longer, depending on thickness) until just cooked through.
Meanwhile, toss the tomatoes and onions in a bowl with the 1 tsp. of oil and the juice of the lemon. Fluff the couscous with a fork, then stir in the tomato mixture and most of the cilantro. Taste for seasoning.
To serve, spoon some couscous onto a plate, place a salmon fillet alongside and sprinkle with a little more cilantro.
Serves 4
Cooking with Nigella 