Salmon, Fennel and Parsnip Stew for Two

Before I tell you all about this recipe and what I have been up to these days, I must thank all of you for the kind comments and wonderful feedback regarding my upcoming book. I greatly appreciate the support and knowing that you will be there in 2012 excited to see it.

Thank you.

As you might suspect, it has been quite busy around here. I spend most of my mornings cooking, styling and shooting recipes for the book. There are always thousands of ideas floating around in my head and it is not always easy to narrow down to those that will make it into the manuscript. So for now, I am testing away and editing later.

I start my days early. Buckwheat porridge, eggs and hot tea are my usual. I help J. get ready for school and start thinking of the recipes for the day. I have a wonderful girl that is helping me with M. in the mornings while I work. It would be impossible otherwise. She is in her discovery phase (aren’t they always?) and lens caps, reflectors and tripods seem to be her favorite toys.

One of the highlights of my day is when M. and I sit down for lunch. She runs to the table, tries to climb up on to her high chair and grabs her spoon. Ready to eat. She takes after me.

This time it was salmon stew made with leeks, fennel, parsnips and a touch of coconut milk. M. ate it with a smile on her face. Pieces of salmon with one hand and parsnips with the other. I had picked up some microgreens at the farmers markets days before and added some to mine. I love the sweet and bright flavor of the purple shiso. It really complemented the soup.

The salmon came as a gift from the kind people of Norwegian Salmon whose campaign had been running on my blog. It really was a delicious soup.

I also wanted to tell you about the trip M. and I took last weekend to see my friend Nadia in New England. It was a winter wonderland. The snow, the farm, the cows, the chickens, the horses…. I loved spending time with her and it was beautiful to see M. bond with her. Nadia posted some photos of our weekend in her blog.

We also had an amazing lunch at Bea’s house. She cooked a delicious meal for us. Soup, crab, apple and fennel slaw verrine, salmon with watercress pilaf and asparagus and my favorite, pistachio financiers and chocolate cake, which I ended up having for breakfast the next day. It was beautiful to watch M. and Lulu laugh and play together. Fun girls.

Thank you Nadia and Bea for your hospitality. I will be eternally grateful.

And to top it all off, my parents arrived this weekend.

I’m in heaven.

Salmon, Fennel, Parsnip and Coconut Stew

Makes enough for 2 people

2 Tbs olive oil
1/2 leek, washed and sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 fennel bulb, diced
2 parsnips, scrubbed and diced
1 cup vegetable stock
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
8 oz salmon, cut into chiunks
Microgreens as garnish (optional)

In a medium pan, heat the olive oil and cook the leek, garlic and fennel for about 5 minutes until tender. Do not let it get brown. Add the diced parsnips, vegetable broth, coconut milk, salt and pepper.

Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes until parsnips are tender. Add the salmon, cover and let it simmer for another 3 minutes or so, until it turns light pink. Adjust seasoning.

Serve with microgreens, if desired.


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93 Responses to “Salmon, Fennel and Parsnip Stew for Two”

  1. What a refined tasting stew and gorgeous pictures!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  2. ibb says:

    Zelako laguntzaile fina daukazun! Hori bai, lehena bazkaltzeko orduan…zelako argi politakin zabiltzan lanean.
    Hemendik indarrik haundienak!

  3. Yum. I’m getting the salmon out of the freezer right now.

    You are an inspiration to me, honestly.

  4. Golubka says:

    This soup looks delicious. M. is getting so big – adorable. Thanks for the lovely post.

  5. Lovely, beautiful and very cute.:-)Stina

  6. This soup sounds wonderful to me. Got to try it!
    Wish you a great time with your folks…

  7. keiko says:

    beautiful as always Aran – glad you had a lovely time in NE, enjoy the time with your parents! xx

  8. We are approaching the discovery stage, I think I’m going to have my hands full.

  9. Victoria says:

    Sounds and looks wonderful, and I have nearly all the ingredients in the fridge right now, but used the last parsnip this evening (should have read your blog earlier today!. And what a cutie M is.

  10. I wish I had this recipe yesterday! (I had coconut milk I had to use up.) I’ll be sure to file it away for a day that I need a hint of the tropics. Which, actually, could be today as Boston is in negative digits!

    As always, your post has lightened my day!

  11. The food looks delicious and the styling is perfect, but my favorite part about this post is those chubby legs!

  12. Svet says:

    What a nice story in wonderful pictures! Loved it :-)

  13. I am SO anxiously awaiting the arrival of your book in 2012!! Seems so far away, but I know it will be worth the wait. Your blog is a never-ending reel of inspiration for me. Thank you so much for sharing yourself in this way!!

  14. shari says:

    That looks amazing! I love salmon in stews… and I love parsnips and leeks, though I’ve never paired them. Will have to give this a try! So far, you haven’t steered me wrong!

    xoxo

    I’m glad you had a lovely time in New England. Boy, is it cold now!!!

  15. This looks so tasty! I love salmon and while I’m happy with it relatively unadorned, I am interested in new ways to enjoy it.

  16. such sweet photos of Miren! You sound busy–i so wish I could have been there–will you post some photos? I am excited to see more…thinking of you..xoxoo, deb

  17. auri says:

    ONGI ETORRI TXOMIN ETA NEKANERI.

    MOSUAK

    auri

  18. Cara says:

    gorgeous photos and your stew sounds delicious!

  19. Juliana says:

    I knew there was a reason why I left two parsnips in my refrigerator after making dinner with the other two yesterday. This soup is on the menu for tomorrow evening.

  20. BEAUTIFUL pictures! I am officially hungry for some Salmon stew :)
    Come visit my blog, I am doing a giveaway and would love to have you enter in!
    http://bonjourfrenchie.blogspot.com/

  21. Great post and beautiful photos as always xx

  22. Lauren says:

    Not sure if I’d actually eat that…but it does look really pretty and delicious! hehe

    Lauren
    http://www.laurensthoughts.com

  23. Y says:

    Sounds like perfect days all round :) That soup (a definite favourite thing to have in Winter) sounds delicious by the way.

  24. Gorgeous pics and styling as usual; the feel is very serene and your cooking is very delicate too; great combo.

  25. Jess says:

    Ahh! Her little legs are so cute!!
    Jess : )

  26. Salmon and fennel are a match made in heaven – can’t wait to make this stew. I love the sound of a little coconut milk in it. Mmm I’m getting hungry!

  27. cindy* says:

    aran, congrats on your book…you know i cannot wait!
    miren is too cute and what a lovely time your trip to new england must have been!

  28. I am a huge parsnip fan but have never thought to pair them with salmon – I love it! Parsnip in stew is pure winter bliss. And I am loving that your little one runs to the table, ready to eat! She knows what’s good in life!

  29. designchic says:

    The stew looks delicious, and I’m such a fan of antique silverware. Precious photos of your daughter…nothing cuter than this stage!! Thrilled to find your blog ~

  30. buckwheat and tea in the morning is such a satisfying breakfast…
    this stew looks like something perfect for valentine’s day…

  31. Deeba PAB says:

    I’m amazed at how time flies Aran. Feels like M was just born yesterday, and here she is taking her first steps … beautiful. She and Lulu must have been a precious sight to behold. Loved reading your post, how your day goes by, and how much little M enjoys mealtimes! Have a wonderful time with your parents. Beautiful salmon stew and pictures…as always, my morning is made!

  32. Always nice to have a new salmon recipe. It looks delicious.

  33. stunning post!
    how i miss little miren, she is pure sunshine! it was great sharing time with you both!

  34. Your post is lovely today, like all your posts. I wish my life could have been that serene when I had two small children under my care! Or maybe it is just your phots that look serene!

  35. El says:

    Glad to hear life is good. The meal looks delicious and M adorable. Enjoy the visit with your parents!

  36. Sarah says:

    This looks so delightful! Simple and easy for a weekday night. On my to-make list.

  37. brenda says:

    God Aran,

    Your photos drive me insane they are phenomenal. I can’t get enough of you!! Was your daughter wearing monogram diaper shorts? So freaking cute with the fluffy pink boots. Bellisimo!

  38. Anonymous says:

    farmed salmon. yuck.
    living in the pacific northwest i have seen the damage farmed salmon has caused, both to endangered wild salmon stocks and to the environment.
    love your writing, recipes and photos and this looks like lovely recipe but i would not use farmed fish (or consider advertising for them!)

    http://www.sustainablewaters.com/whats-wrong-with-farmed-salmon/
    http://wildakgirl.blogspot.com/2010/03/sometimes-truth-hurts.html
    http://www.draxe.com/the-dangers-of-farmed-fish/

  39. Iratxe says:

    ¡Qué emocinante escribir, crear, imaginar, componer… para tu libro, enhorabuena de todo corazón, eres una artista!. ¡Hermosas fotos, hermosísima niña y qué suerte de tener a tus aitas en casita!. Un abrazo.

  40. peasepudding says:

    Beautiful combination of flavours, I can imagine this would be light enough even for a summer stew here in NZ

  41. Jagna says:

    Lovely soup and beautiful pictures.

  42. This soup must be soooo good! And your pictures are gorgeous!!!

  43. Marymary says:

    Tienes un blog magnifico! me has cautivado! las fotos, las recetas, la manera de contar las cosas… mi mas sincera enhorabuena ademas tambien por tu libro! te acabas de convertir en mi idolo! jajajaja
    Un besito y a parir de ahora te sigo para no perderme nada! aunque tenga que traducir las recetas al español con google, ya que mi nivel de ingles es basico…

  44. Lovely, heart-warming recipe as usual, Aran!

  45. Johanna says:

    Congratulations on the cookbook! I am so excited! Will you be getting a Facebook page going soon? : )

    Johanna

  46. claudia lo says:

    Hi Aran, your pictures look almost magical. What camera did you use to take all these photos? I’m new to photography so are there any tips on taking good photographs like yours? thanks! :)

  47. Claudia- these were taken with a canon 5d mark ii, my camera of choice right now.

    thanks all!

  48. Merce says:

    Hi Aran,
    Me encanta tu blog, preciosas fotos, muy mona la niña y la receta, tomo nota…mañana comprare salmón.
    Bye,bye

  49. Kimberley says:

    I am in love with this soup! I have recently been contemplating a salmon chowder of sorts that uses coconut milk instead of cow milk. This is superb.

  50. Anonymous says:

    i would also stay away from farmed salmon. It is really toxic…

  51. Anonymous says:

    This was an excellent recipe. The smell of fresh fennel was concerning, due to the strong odor. However the total flavor was wonderful! The coconut flavor brought richness and an extra special touch. What a lovely dish.
    Thank you so much

  52. a. maren says:

    very sweet pictures of your daughter! and a very interesting combination of flavors for this soup!

    http://www.icyviolets.blogspot.com

  53. This sounds absolutely divine ~ light and delicate, with good protein and quite simple ~ I’m making it tomorrow :)

    PS ~ Your little daughter is absolutely adorable

  54. Salmon is in an abundance here, thanks for sharing the recipe, I’m always looking for more ways to incorporate salmon.

    Funny…you and I both have the same white deck flooring (or table)…. I like the white wash look in your photos…is your exposure set at 1.7?

  55. Deb/ we missed you that weekend but we will have to do it again. It was so beautiful… xxoo

    Nadia- M misses you too! She loved you!

    Just a French girl- no, this was the 24-70 2.8. Thank you!

    Thanks all!!

  56. Noora says:

    This soup must have been good! :) I love your blog.

  57. It was lovely to see Lulu and Miren enjoy their time together. Touching. And to have you and Nadia for lunch. Makes it real….

  58. looks delicious as I’m sure the book will! i need to eat more salmon and soup just might be the ticket.

  59. We just made this soup this evening, and WOW! So good! My son (2.5yrs) gulped it down, and my 7 month old daughter couldn’t get her spoonfuls of pureed soup fast enough. She kept getting cranky that Dad took bites himself occasionally. Thank you! I’ll definitely make this again…

  60. giovanna says:

    I love the pink of the salmon in your photos! Well… salmon, fennel… perfect! I love it! And the puffy legs of your child… so cuuuuteeeee!

  61. A political muscle- that just made my day! When kids love a recipe of mine is the best compliment in the world. Thank you for taking the time to share.

    Thank you everyone!

  62. Jenelle says:

    Fantastic blog! Your photos are amazing! The salmon and fennel look delicious :)

  63. Inés says:

    Aran, Goioaga, Aiarza….nola dagoen Mirentxu…pasteltxoa dirudi. Eta bota larrosa hoiek…eta morraltxue…Ai ama Aran zoriontsua zara eta zoriontsuagoa egiten diguzu bizitza blog eta argazki hauexekin!!!

  64. I would never have thought of combining fennel with parsnips, but it makes sense with salmon . . . peppery and aniseedy . . . delicious. And what a fabulous series of photos!

  65. Snows says:

    In love with your photos and recipes!! I add you in my favourites!! Neus from Barcelona*

  66. Sometimes I think 2012 seems so far away to wait for your cookbook to come out. Loving this stew so very much.

    Lisa xx

  67. Mlle Paradis says:

    i was so carried away by your adventures in new england, i forgot to leave a note!

    this stew looks SOOOO good. my hubby and i are celebrating our anniversary. i think we will make this for our special dinner! all our favorite things……

    thank you!

  68. NOT stew…this was an etherial placing of elegant ingredients into a bowl…..so lovely…..thank you for sharing the recipe! I am going to make it tomorrow if I can find fresh good wild salmon.

  69. Lori White says:

    I read your blog. I saw this recipe. I bought the ingredients. I made the stew. I ate it. ALL. Myself.

    I was a little sceptical about the coconut milk and how “hearty” of a winter meal it would make but it’s an incredible stew. I will definitely make it at my next dinner party. *Bursting* with flavour. Thank you! I will never doubt you again ;-) YUM!

  70. Vanessa says:

    I just wanted to let you know I LOVE your blog! The photos are so beautiful!

    My mom has celiac disease and is gluten intolerant, I was so excited to tell her about your recipes! When you get a chance you can check mine out! http://vanessacontessa.com/

  71. Aran, your food, photography and writing really is a feast for the senses. So glad I found your blog, I had a foodie photographer reading weekend bonanza:

    http://eggshellblue.blogspot.com/

  72. You’re pics are absolutly lovely!

  73. Hi Aran,
    I just made this stew for supper and it was DELICIOUS! (and so easy to prepare) Thanks so much for the recipe and for all your beautiful photos and stories. Really enjoy following your blog and looking forward to getting your cookbook when it’s out.
    Michele
    Montreal, Canada

  74. This stew looks utterly delicious (and pretty too:)! Very imaginative pairing of ingredients – I’ll have to give this a try.

    p.s Your little one is adorable. My 6 and half month old is all about exploring these days. He puts EVERYTHING in his mouth.

  75. Cheiro Doce says:

    Imagens lindas, e a pequena é muito fofa!
    E o salmão… tudo de bom!

    Beijos
    Ana

  76. Hi Aran,

    Thanks for this lovely recipe. I tried it this weekend and served it to my husband and sister in law with some tofu instead of salmon. They loved it, and so did I.

    Best regards,
    Marèsalicious

  77. Sara Barroso says:

    i would love to buy your book. the images alone would be worth it, not to mention the recipes. your blog is a delight to read, very inspiring. keep up the never ending work!
    Sara

  78. Anonymous says:

    Could you substitute cauliflower pieces for the parsnip?

  79. anon- yes you could and it would be lovely.

  80. such a cute bebe! I have a little one myself. So fun.

  81. Julieta says:

    Incredible pics!!!!!!!! I’d like to learn more from your blog.

  82. Anonymous says:

    Made this tonight – simply wonderful! he wife also loved it but thought that maybe it could use just a little touch of acid but overall, loved it to pieces. It was simple as can be and its totally going in my rotation!

  83. Sini says:

    Made it for dinner tonight seasoning it with lime juice and cilantro before serving. Enjoyed it with a toasted slice of good bread. What a wonderful composition of different flavors and textures! Definitely making it again soon.

  84. Sini- happy to hear you enjoyed it!

  85. Happy Fennel Friday! We love this recipe and it is featured on our Fennel and Stew Recipes! Thanks so much for sharing!
    http://fennelfriday.com/add-fennel-to-the-pot-stew-fennel-recipes/

  86. Karen Wilger says:

    This was really great! I doubled it and made it for a family of 5 for dinner. It was a quick and easy meal; perfect. I added 2 extra garlic bulbs as we can never have too much garlic in our house.

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