Ottolenghi needs no introduction, but Simple distills his signature flavours into dishes that are achievable on a weeknight without losing any depth or character. If you want bold food without a full pantry audit, this is the one.

Serves: 4

• 100g currants

• 4 (500g) salmon fillets (skin on), pin-boned

• 100ml olive oil

• 4 (180g) celery sticks, cut into 1cm dice, leaves removed but kept for garnish

• 30g pine nuts, roughly chopped

• 40g capers, plus 2 tbs brine

• 40g (about 8) large green olives, pitted and cut into 1cm dice

• 1 good pinch (1/4 tsp) saffron threads, mixed with 1 tbs hot water

• 20g parsley, roughly chopped

• 1 tsp each finely grated lemon zest and juice

Step 1:

Cover the currants with boiling water and set aside to soak for 20 minutes while you prep the salmon and make the salsa.

Step 2:

Mix the salmon with 2 tsp oil, 3 tsp salt and a good grind of pepper. Set aside while you make the salsa.

Step 3:

Put 75ml olive oil into a large saute pan and place on a high heat. Add celery and pine nuts, and fry for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the nuts begin to brown (don’t take your eyes off them, as they can easily burn). Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the capers and brine, the olives, saffron and its water, and a pinch of salt. Drain the currants and add these, along with the parsley and lemon zest and juice. Set aside.

Step 4:

Put the remaining 1 tbs oil into a large frying pan and place on a medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and fry for 3 minutes, until the skin is crisp. Reduce the heat to medium, then flip the fillets over and continue to fry for 2-4 minutes (depending on how much you like the salmon cooked). Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 5:

Arrange the salmon on four plates and spoon over the salsa. If you have any celery leaves reserved, scatter these over the top.

What You'll Need