Mary Ellen's Favorite - Salmon and Melting Cherry Tomatoes
"This is one of Ina Garten's recipes. She is one of my favorite chefs. The sweet salmon is delicious with the intensely flavored tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar." - Mary Ellen
Ingredients:
Good olive oil
1 cup chopped sweet onion, such as Vidalia
2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
2 cups (1 pint) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved through the stem
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons good balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons julienned fresh basil leaves
1 (2 pound) salmon filet, cut crosswise into 4 pieces
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium (10 inch) saute pan. Add the onion and saute over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until very tender but not browned. Add the garlic and saute for 1 more minute. Stir in the tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the tomato sauce thickens slightly. Off the heat, stir in vinegar and basil.
Meanwhile, place a large (12 inch) cast iron pan over high heat for 5 minutes. Brush the salmon all over with olive oil, sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper, and place it skin side up in the pan. Cook the fish for 3 to 4 minutes without moving them, until browned. Turn the salmon skin side down with a spatula and transfer the pan to the oven for 8 minutes. (The salmon will not be completely cooked through.) Remove the fish to a serving platter, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
Reheat the tomatoes, season to taste, and serve hot, warm or at room temperature with the salmon.
