Mediterranean-style Whole Roasted Salmon with Fennel

The rich colors and flavors of Mediterranean cuisine provides a tasty foil for salmon. Serve with couscous on the side and a green salad and you're good to go.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1  (4- to 5-pound) whole salmon, cleaned
• 2  fennel bulbs, trimmed and sliced 1/4 inch thick (reserve any fronds)
• 2  leeks, trimmed and sliced 1 inch thick
• 3  medium tomatoes (about 1 pound), cut into wedges
• 3  tablespoons  olive oil
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2  teaspoon  sea salt
• 1/8  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
• 1  teaspoon  fennel seeds
• 3  fresh rosemary sprigs
• 1/2  cup  dry white wine

Preparation

Position rack in center of oven, and preheat oven to 425°. Pat fish dry; make several diagonal cuts in thickest part of the fish on both sides. Scatter sliced fennel bulbs, leeks, and tomatoes in a baking pan lightly coated with cooking spray.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush fish inside and out with half the seasoned oil, then sprinkle remaining seasoned oil over vegetables. Lay fish on top of vegetables, and sprinkle fish inside and out with fennel seeds. Tuck 1 rosemary sprig into cavity of fish. Place remaining 2 rosemary sprigs in vegetables. Reserve a couple of fennel fronds for garnish, then coarsely chop remaining fronds and stuff them into the cavity. Pour wine over fish, and cover pan loosely with aluminum foil.

Bake at 425° for 30 minutes. Remove foil, and bake, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes or until fish is just cooked through. Transfer fish to a large serving platter, and surround with cooked vegetables. Garnish with remaining fennel fronds.