Roasted Salmon with “Salsa Veracruzana”

Being a chef I can honestly say I love most foods,  but for some reason I have never loved salmon. It’s ok. I guess I can say I like it, but I don’t “capital L” -love it, and I really don’t cook it at home for husband and I very often. So, when I got pregnant a few months ago, I knew I had to find a way to really enjoy salmon, because as most of us know, wild caught salmon is one of the best food sources of omega -3 fatty acids. ​

    I was able to consult Dr. Bonnie Brock a Registered Dietitian and Naturopathic Medical Doctor at Acacia Natural Medicine in Arizona on the topic. She informed me that "Many omega-3 fatty acids are called 'essential' because the body cannot synthesize them and therefore needs to obtain them from food.  The most important omega-3 fatty acid during pregnancy is DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, which is best supplemented in the third trimester, when a fetus is rapidly laying down brain and nerve networks. A breastfeeding mom may also want to supplement DHA as it will pass through breastmilk and provide a growing baby ongoing brain support".

    In addition, according to americanpregnancy.org  increased Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to benefit pregnancy by  lowering the risk of preeclampsia and helping to prevent pre-term labor. 

    It’s clear that these nutrients are very important during pregnancy, and so even though I supplement with fish oil every day, I still wanted to try and eat more salmon, knowing that whole foods are often the best sources for many nutrients.

    Right in line with the stereotypes, I often find myself craving spicy and picked things, which made me remember a recipe from my days as a Saucier at the Red O called “salsa  Verazcurana”. At the restaurant we served it over a grilled white fish, but I thought would taste equally delicious on salmon. I was right, the combo of the garlicky tomato sauce with the piquant and salty capers, olives, and spicy pickled jalapenos stood up to but didn’t entirely mask the flavor of the salmon, it was delicious! It was a big hit my husband as well.

 So, maybe you just like salmon or maybe you love it, but if you are a fan of big, bold flavors I definitely recommend giving this quick and easy recipe a try.

Visit Dr. Bonnie Brock's Website: Acacia Natural Medicine