Easy poached salmon

Step 1

First make the poaching liquid for the fish. Put the peppercorns, 2 tsp salt, vinegar, fennel, bay leaves and parsley stalks in a saucepan with 2.5 litres of water, and bring to the boil. Boil for 10 mins so all the flavours infuse into the liquid.

Step 2

Make sure that you choose a roasting tin big enough to hold the salmon fillet. Strain the liquid into the empty tin, bring to the boil on the hob, then add the fish, skin-side down, making sure it is covered in liquid. Scatter around the lemon slices, and simmer gently for 1-2 mins until the fish changes colour completely. Cover the surface with a large piece of foil, turn off the heat and leave to cool completely. The fish will cook as the liquid cools.

Step 3

To make the salsa verde, put all the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor, then blitz to make a bright, slightly chunky sauce. Season to taste.

Step 4

Carefully remove the salmon to a serving platter and peel away the skin if you like. Serve with the salsa verde, new potatoes and asparagus.