citrus salmon with broccoli.

In our house, we eat a lot of salmon. And a lot of broccoli.

{We also drink a great deal of wine - but that’s neither here nor there}

I don’t usually use a recipe for a meal like this – I just give the salmon a nice sear on both sides, and maybe do a pan sauce at the end with lemon juice, white wine and/or chicken stock, maybe a few capers and a little swirl of butter at the end. The broccoli typically is roasted, because that’s how I love to eat it most – and yes, it’s something like roasting tomatoes…a bit magical and overwhelmingly more complex and flavorful than just steaming or even sauteéing.

This recipe, however, was interesting to me because it starts with a sear but finishes cooking – steaming, really – in the covered pan. The end result was delish, and though it was nothing too far off from what I usually do, it was definitely a fast, easy, and healthy dinner worth making again.

Citrus Salmon with Broccoli

Adapted from BHG

• 1/2 lemon
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp butter {Smart Balance}
• 2 4-6 oz skinless salmon fillets
• 1 tbsp snipped fresh dill
• 1/2 bunch (1/2 lb) broccoli, trimmed
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
• Lemon slices and fresh dill (optional)

Slice 1/2 of the lemon into thin slices; set aside. Juice remaining 1/2 lemon into a 1 cup measure; add water to equal 1/2 cup. Stir in sugar. Set aside.

In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper; add to skillet. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until bottom is golden; turn fillets. Add lemon juice mixture. Top with snipped dill and lemon slices. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook 5 to 6 minutes more or until fish flakes easily when tested with fork.

Meanwhile, in another skillet heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Quarter broccoli lengthwise into long spears; add to skillet along with garlic. Cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until crisp-tender, turning often. You could also roast the broccoli in an oven heated to 400 degrees (after tossing lightly in olive oil and salt and pepper) for about 15 minutes. Serve the salmon with the broccoli, pouring the pan juices over the salmon. Serve with additional lemon slices and fresh dill.

Makes 2 servings. Calories are estimated at 363 per serving. I like.