CHEF ROBERT MANCUSO
MONTEREY BAY SALMON​
W/ RATATOUILLE
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6 portions
INGREDIENTS
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Salmon, baked, broiled, poached, or grilled
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6 tbsp Olive Oil
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2 medium Onions, cut into 1/2 inch dice
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6 Garlic Cloves, chopped
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6 Basil Leaves, chopped
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1 tbsp fresh Thyme, chopped
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2 Sweet Peppers, cut into 1/2 inch dice
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3 medium Summer Squash, cut into 1/2 inch dice
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3 medium Tomatoes, cut into 1/2 inch dice
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1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
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Salt and Pepper to taste
METHOD
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1. Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy bottomed pot, non-stick preferred. Add the eggplant to the pan, and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden. Add a bit more oil if the eggplant absorbs the initial amount or sticks to the bottom of the pan. Remove the eggplant when done and set aside.
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2. In the same pot, pour in 2 more tablespoons olive oil. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent. Add the garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes, then stir in peppers.
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3. Cook for a few more minutes, then stir in squash. Cook for a few more minutes, then stir in tomatoes; cook for 10 minutes longer. Stir in the cooked eggplant and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until all veggies are soft. Stir in the fresh herbs, vinegar, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
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4. Pair this dish with Monterey Bay salmon prepared the way you will enjoy it -- baked, broiled, grilled, or poached!
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WINE PAIRING:
California Chardonnay​
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Wine should see partial malo lactic fermentation and receive a portion of new oak in the maturation process to compliment the rich flavor of the wild salmon and acidic but creamy nature of the ratatouille.
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Characteristics
Fruit: yellow and green apple, baked apple, star fruit, vanilla, butter
Oak: buttered popcorn, butterscotch, lemon curd, nutmeg, graham cracker
Acidity: medium-plus, to high acidity
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Oaked Chardonnays are rich, full-bodied, and often have additional oak-aged flavors of vanilla, baking spices, or butter. Flavors range from tropical in warm climate regions to leaner, green apple and citrus in cooler climates.