Salmon with Salsa Verde and Lima Bean Puree

Tender, fresh lima beans are available right now at the McGrath Family Farms stand at several farmers’ markets. Because the beans are already removed from their pods, it takes only a few minutes to get them ready to use, and I am having fun fooling around with them. I have braised them with peppers, zucchini, and green beans; tossed them with spaghetti and fresh pesto; created a fresh succotash; and fashioned a hearty soup with the limas, fingerling potatoes, winter squash, and greens.

I discovered that the fresh limas develop a rich, earthy flavor and silky texture when simmered with sautéed shallot or onion and a few herbs until tender, and then left to cool in the salted liquid for at least 20 minutes. The first time I prepared the fresh limas, the process felt a little awkward, because I am accustomed to simply boiling frozen limas in water for about 15 minutes. Now I cook the limas when I get them home from the market, and store them in the refrigerator to use over the next few days.

The same cooking technique works with frozen baby limas. They make a good enough substitute for the fresh, but the taste is a little bland in comparison to the fresh, and the texture slightly soggy. These drawbacks are minimized when the frozen beans are used in flavorful preparations, such as the one I offer here. However, the fresh beans transform simple recipes into memorable dishes I want to come back to over and over.

This week I pureed cooked limas with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh thyme and mint, and used the puree as a comforting accompaniment to sautéed fish. Because the season for fresh Alaskan salmon is near its end, I want to savor this exceptional fish a few more times before it is gone, and paired it with the beans. The pink flesh of the salmon was beautiful against the pale green lima puree, and the taste of the fish and limas enhanced each other.

I use wild Alaskan salmon, which is sustainable, and of incomparable quality. I recently found both king salmon and Coho salmon (also called silver salmon). Coho is more economical than the king, and while a little less luxurious in texture, its delicate salmon flavor makes it a favorite. Some say it is perfect for people who are tentative about eating fish.

I encourage you to try these recipes while the fresh limas and fresh Alaskan salmon are available. If you can no longer find salmon, arctic char would make an excellent substitute.

Lima Bean Puree

Kristine Kidd

I present this recipe first, because it is most convenient to prepare it before cooking the fish. The puree makes a great side dish or topping for bruschetta.

Makes about 1¾ cups, or 2 side dish servings

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Course Seafood, Sunday Suppers, Weeknight Dinners

Servings 1.75 cups

Ingredients

4½ tablespoons olive oil
1 shallot, minced
8- ounces shelled fresh lima beans, about 1½ cups or frozen
1 thyme sprig
1 mint sprig
Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme
½ teaspoon minced fresh mint

Instructions

Heat 1½ tablespoons of the oil in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the beans and herb sprigs and sauté 2 minutes. Add 1½ cups water and bring to a simmer. Simmer slowly until the beans are tender about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and season the liquid with about ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. Cool the beans at least 20 minutes (preferably 1 hour) in the liquid.
Drain the beans, discarding herb sprigs. Place in the processor with ¼ cup of their cooking liquid and the remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Puree until almost smooth. Add the lemon zest and minced herbs and mix in. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (The puree can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and store in the refrigerator.)
If using as a side dish, warm in a small saucepan. If using as a spread for bruschetta, serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Tips

The lima puree is so scrumptious; I suggest making a double batch, and serving the leftover as a marvelous topping for bruschetta.