Moroccan Spiced Salmon Over Lentils Recipe

A vibrant and flavorful Moroccan-inspired dish! Flaky salmon fillets, perfectly spiced and pan-seared to crispy perfection, sit atop a bed of tender lentils simmered in a zesty tomato sauce. This recipe is bursting with aromatic spices and is ready in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Calories 560.7 kcal
Protein 97g
Rating 5.0 (2 Reviews)
Moroccan Spiced Salmon Over Lentils 24

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Moroccan Spiced Salmon Over Lentils

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How to Make Moroccan Spiced Salmon Over Lentils

  1. **Spice Mixture:** In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
  2. **Cook Lentils:** Rinse 1 cup green lentils. In a medium saucepan, combine lentils with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.
  3. **Drain & Season Lentils:** Drain any excess water from the lentils. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Keep warm, covered.
  4. **Sauté Aromatics:** While lentils cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 cup chopped onion. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. **Build the Sauce:** Stir in 1 tbsp harissa paste and 1 tbsp of the spice mixture. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant. Increase heat to medium, add 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes and their juices. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. **Prepare Salmon:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Season 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Coat both sides with the remaining spice mixture.
  7. **Sear Salmon:** Heat 1 tbsp canola oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place 2 salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining fillets.
  8. **Finish in Oven:** Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 6-10 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and skin is crispy.
  9. **Assemble & Serve:** Spoon lentils onto warmed plates. Top with a salmon fillet, skin-side down. Spoon tomato sauce around the lentils and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

5 g

Sugar

24g

Fat

21g

Carbs

13g