This recipe is full of beneficial anti-aging foods that help your skin, your hair, your heart and your brain.
Salt encrusted Salmon with a side of roasted asparagus and sweet potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 2.5 to 3 lb. whole salmon with or without it’s head (OR the whole fish of your choice-modify the recipe accordingly if the fish is bigger or smaller)
- 6c Kosher salt
- 4 eggs
- several sprigs of thyme
- 2 lemons
- 1- 2 asparagus
- 1-2 tsp duck fat, coconut oil, or butter
- salt + pepper to taste
- 2- 4 small/medium whole sweet potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Wrap the sweet potatoes in foil, poke a few wholes in the foil and place them in the oven on a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine salt, eggs, and the zest of the two lemons. Mix very well.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment, and lay about a third of the salt mixture in the center to about the length of the fish, and a little bit wider. Pat fish dry, and lay on top of salt.
- Slice one lemon, and stuff into the cavity of the fish with the sprigs of thyme reserving one spring for garnish. Pack salt over top of the fish, pressing to ensure salmon is securely covered.
- After the potatoes have been in the oven for about 30 minutes and the fish is prepared place the fish in the oven for 30-35 minutes.
- While the fish is cooking wash the asparagus and cut the tough ends off. Warm the duck fat a little and coat the asparagus evenly. Add salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne to taste.
- Take the fish out and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes while you cook the asparagus.
- Place them on a sheet pan and put them in the oven until they begin to soften. About 5-10 minutes depending on their size. Take the asparagus out, check the potatoes to make sure they are soft and leave them in the oven to cool a bit.
- Enjoy!
Serves (4-8)
Health Benefits
Fish – Fish is well known as part of a healthy Mediterranean diet. It is a good source of protein, low in calories, and has many health benefits. In particular fatty cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. They are great for your skin, your nerves, and your blood sugar making them a wonderful addition to an anti-aging diet. The right balance of omega 6:3, somewhere between 5:1 and 1:1 is necessary for optimal health. Many individuals who suffer from depression and anxiety can be benefited by diets rich in healthy fats like the omega 3s in many fish.
Sweet potatoes – The sweet potato is actually a member of the morning glory family, rather than being related to the potato. It is an excellent source of carotenes making them a good addition to a heart healthy, anti-aging diet and a good source of vitamins C, B6, manganese, copper, biotin, pantothenic acid, B2, and dietary fiber.
Thyme – Thyme is one of my favorite anti-inflammatory herbs. It has a wonderful flavor and goes well in many dishes such as soups, roast chicken, lentils, fish, potatoes, veggies, and more. In addition thyme’s volatile oils have been shown to be antispasmodic, antibacterial, and carminative (helping to expel gas).