February 2021 - Food

Italian Broccoli & Salmon Bake

Method

STEP 1

Preheat the oven to 190C/gas 5/fan 170C and get out an ovenproof dish (measuring 20 by 30cm, and about 5cm deep). Meanwhile, put a large pan of water on to boil for the pasta. When it is boiling rapidly, tip in the pasta with a generous sprinkling of salt. Give it a stir, return to the boil and cook for 6 minutes. Add the broccoli, then return the water to the boil and cook for 4 minutes more, until the broccoli is on the firm side of just tender. Drain well.

STEP 2

While the pasta is cooking, put the butter, flour and milk in a large pan and heat, whisking or stirring continuously, until it thickens to make a smooth sauce. Remove from the heat and stir in the mascarpone, sun-dried tomatoes, capers (if using), anchovies (if using) and basil, then add the pasta and broccoli and season well.

STEP 3

Halve the salmon fillets widthways (you will see that there is an obvious divide on each fillet) then place the pieces in a single layer on the base of the ovenproof dish. Spoon the broccoli mixture on top, then scatter with the grated cheddar. (You can chill this for up to 4 hours if you want to get ahead.)

STEP 4

Bake for 30 minutes until the mixture is just starting to bubble round the edges and the mixture is pale golden – don’t let it go too dark or the fish will overcook.

Ingredients

250g penne

300g broccoli, cut into large florets

25g butter

25g plain flour

600ml milk

100g mascarpone

8 sundried tomatoes (preserved in olive oil), drained and thickly sliced

2 tbsp small capers (optional) rinsed to remove excess salt or vinegar

8 anchovy fillets, halved (optional)

10 large fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

4 fresh skinless salmon fillets

50g mature cheddar, finely grated