You may have noticed we here at Cook with Me Darling are having a love affair with the ‘board meal’. Of course you could serve this stunning meal on plates, but we recommend simply grabbing two forks and eating off the board. Perfect for couples that don’t mind a little sharing (and less dishes!). This Moroccan Salmon and Couscous with Roasted Carrots is the perfect example of how to create a gorgeous board meal that is healthy and delicious!
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The Salmon:
This tender salmon is made on the cooktop and finished in the oven. Simply brush lightly with olive oil, season with a traditional Moroccan spice blend called ‘ras el hanout’, a little powdered garlic, sea salt and black pepper and then cook. Yes, it’s that simple.
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The Couscous:
Couscous is magic. It’s even easier to cook than rice. Simply bring broth to a simmer, add the couscous, cover and take off heat. Ten minutes later you lift the lid and voila! It’s ready. Leave it plain and it’s delicious, but for this meal we add dried cranberries, parsley and pine nuts!
Those Roasted Carrots Though…
If I could type three heart eyed emojis on my computer, I would. These roasted carrots may be our favorite thing on the platter! Roasted carrots are like candy, so sweet, and those caramelized edges are just heavenly. You can use rainbow carrots in this recipe when they are available, but your standard orange carrot works great too.
Just the Two of You, or Make it a Party!
This recipe is for couples of course, but it works just as well for dinner parties. Just use a bigger platter, or several platters and your guests will be very happy, and probably pretty impressed as well!
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The Recipe: Moroccan Salmon and Couscous with Roasted Carrots!
Tips and what you need: You will need the Middle Eastern Spice blend “Ras el Hanout” . If your grocery store doesn’t carry it, you can have it delivered to your door. You will also need and oven safe grill pan, rimmed cookie sheet and unbleached parchment paper.
A delicious, healthy, flavorful Moroccan Salmon with sides!
- 12 carrots peeled and cut into 3" pieces (If tops of carrots are thick cut them in half lengthwise as well)
- 1/4 cup olive oil separated
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 shallot peeled and diced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup Morrocan couscous
- 1/4 cup cranberries
- 2 Tablespoons parsley divided
- 2 Tablespoons toasted pine nuts or pistachios
- 2 6 oz salmon fillets
- ras el hanout
- powered garlic
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Preheat oven to 425 and place one oven rack in upper third of oven and another in lower third. Place parchment on rimmed cookie sheet.
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Prep carrots and place them on parchment covered cookie sheet
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Drizzle with a tablespoon or so of olive oil and toss, sprinkle with sea salt and pepper, toss again
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Place in oven on upper rack and cook for about 35-40 minutes or until carrots are caramelized and edges are browned
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Place a small pot on medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and add shallots
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Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently
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Add chicken stock to pot, turn up heat and bring to a boil
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Add couscous and turn off heat, place lid on pot and leave alone for at least ten minutes
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Pat salmon dry with paper towel, brush lightly with olive oil and season to your liking with sea salt, pepper, garlic powder and ras el hanout
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Place an oven safe grill pan on medium high heat for two minutes, add enough olive oil to coat bottom of pan
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Add salmon to hot pan skin side down and sear for 3-4 minutes or until salmon is golden
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Gently turn fish over and place pan in the oven on the lower rack, cooking for 6-8 minutes
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Remove lid from couscous, sprinkle with a pinch or two of sea salt and a few turns of freshly ground pepper, add cranberries, 1 tablespoon parsley, pine nuts, toss with a fork to mix
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When salmon and carrots are done, place all items on a platter, garnish with remaining parsley and serve!
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This is so colorful and healthy! Great photos too!
Thanks!
Mmmm roasted rainbow carrots are so perfect in the spring!
Oooo…I LOVE salmon and this looks like an amazing recipe! The side dish of roasted carrots also looks really yummy.
Thanks Julia!
Oh, that looks so delicious. I love couscous and I wish it were gluten-free! I guess maybe quinoa would work instead…
Totally! Quinoa would be a great substitute!
Delicious flavours and textures, colours too. This must be pinned and on my menu soon!
I enjoy Moroccan dishes and have been in the kitchen playing with ras el hanout as have some via a dear friend– direct from Casablanca! Thanks!
Love this flavor combo. Couscous is so underrated!
Agreed! I love it but am always surprised to hear many have never eaten it!
What wonderful flavors and salmon is one of my favorites!
This has got to be one of the most beautiful board meals ever! The salmon sounds amazing and I love that ras el hanout … such a delicious Moroccan flavor.
Aw thanks Emily! I love a board meal!
This is the most gorgeous platter! Loving all the delicious textures and ingredients.
Thanks so much Jean!
Love the tri colored carrots. I can usually find those at Trader Joe’s. Love all the spices in here!
Yes! Love their tri-colored potatoes as well 🙂
This looks so flavorful and delicious, salmon is one of my favorite fish!
This sounds like the perfect dinner, and it looks absolutely delicious. I love all the flavors!
Thanks Vanessa 🙂
Your photos are so pretty. I always love salmon and this one looks extra delicious!
Thanks so much Yang. And right back at you!
I love that the couscous is cooked in nourishing broth. That just adds to the yummy factor, and makes it more satisfying. Wish I had this right now, with the mmm mmm cranberries and parsley!!
Thanks Megan. One of our favorites and could just as easily be made with cauli rice!
Boy that salmon looks So GOOD ! I also love couscous too. You just reminded me I need to get some couscous home for the weekend so I can make this dish !
This is just beautiful, Linda! What a lovely meal with such vibrant colors! And I love the addition of pine nuts!
Thanks Christina!
Very appetizingly looking dish and creative presentation. Couscous and carrots are perfect with salmon!
An absolutely beautiful dish!
I love salmon, but I’ve never tried it with Moroccan spice. Curious to give it a go! The carrots sound amazing also, Pinning!