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Lemon and Thyme Infused Salmon Bake

We all know that fish is great for you; you've probably seen the studies that we should be incorporating it into our diets a couple times a week. This in theory seems like something that we should all easily be able to do, but for some reason I often find myself struggling to meet these goals. I thought I would share this recipe because it is a healthy, flavorful one and what I love most about this recipe is that you can completely prep it the day before you cook! I am a HUGE fan of meals that I can prep in advance. Anything that makes life easier. 

If available I always try to purchase fish that is wild caught. There are a number of reasons why I am so picky about this. First of all, wild caught fish looks and tastes better than a farm raised fish. Second, many farm raised fish are raised in poor conditions and fed fish food that is high in toxic chemicals, like PCB. Some farm raised fish are bred in more favorable conditions than I have described, but there is no way to tell what you are getting at the store. It it either farm raised or wild caught. I choose wild caught. End rant.   


I cut the salmon fillet into 4 pieces. Almost anytime you can purchase a larger cut of meat and portion it yourself it will save you money. Since it is just the two of us I plan to save a couple of the pieces of salmon for another evening. If you are cooking for four than around a 1 lb fillet would be the perfect amount of fish.


I slice a lemon into circular slices... 


...and then lay a couple of the slice in the center of a piece of aluminum foil.


I top the lemon slices with one of the salmon fillets and liberally coat with salt and pepper.


Next, I add some fresh thyme to the fish. When using fresh herbs you need to use more than if you were using dry herbs. Most the time you should use about 3x the amount of fresh herbs. For example: If a recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme than you would use about 3/4 teaspoon fresh thyme to get the same flavor.   


I top the herbs and spices with olive oil...


...and then roll the foil up around the fish.


I finish creating homemade foil pouches by rolling the edges up around the fillet.  


I cook the salmon at 375 for about 20-25 minutes or until it flakes apart when touched with a fork.


I served the salmon with a fresh spinach salad and it was the perfect easy, healthy meal!



Lemon Thyme Infused Salmon Bake 

Ingredients:
1 lb salmon filet (cut into 1-1/2 inch thick slices)
1 lemon (slices)
1 tsp thyme
olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Use aluminum foil squares to make salmon packets as follows: lemon slices (2), salmon, drizzle of oil, 1/4 tsp thyme per packet and a liberal sprinkle of salt and pepper.
3. Wrap packet up tightly around salmon as shown in pictures above.
4. Bake at 375 for approximately 20-25 minutes or until fish flakes apart when touched with a fork.  
5. Serve fish in packets with a side of grilled vegetables or green salad and crusty bread for a healthy dinner.

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