Salmon en Manchamanteles {a.k.a. The Tablecloth Stainer}
| August 21, 2011 | Posted by Lauren Keating under Fish and Seafood, Mexican and Southwestern, Quick Weeknight Meals |
When I go out to eat and see something on the menu that’s a little off the beaten path, I have a hard time not ordering it. It doesn’t matter if we picked the restaurant based on the fact that I was craving a burger or a big plate of vegetables or some other unexciting dish — if they have something that I’ve never heard of before, chances are I’ll order it. If it’s bad, that just means I get to have dessert!
Rabbit? Check.
Alligator? Double Check.
Salmon en Manchamanteles? I may not be able to pronounce it, but it was fabulous.
This dish, which translates to “tablecloth stainer” (oh boy is it messy!), was on the menu at Rosa Mexicano last summer and I couldn’t resist the description of an ancho chile and tropical fruit mole. Chock full of zucchini and pineapple, the mole was smokey and complex. I loved the sweetness of the pineapple against the rich sauce, and to pair it with salmon seemed totally natural (even though I don’t think I’ve ever seen salmon on a Mexican menu at any other restaurant). I first ordered this a full year ago, and I still think about it. Obviously, I had to try making it at home. I’ll be honest — my version doesn’t compare to theirs. But its still pretty darn good, and easy enough to make on a weeknight.
Salmon en Manchamanteles
Prep time: 5 minutes; Total time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
- 1 Tbs Olive Oil
- 1 small Onion, chopped
- 1 can low-sodium Black Beans, undrained
- 1 cup chopped Pineapple, with 1/4 cup reserved juice
- 1 cup Corn
- 2 Tbs Mole paste, such as Goya*
- 2 Tbs Lime Juice
- 2 Salmon filets
- 2 tsp. Ancho Chile Powder
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. When the oil is got, add the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened — about 5 minutes.
Add the beans, pineapple and reserved juice, corn, mole paste, and lime juice. Stir well. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded.
Meanwhile, rub the salmon filets with the chile powder. Heat a second pan over medium-high heat and spray with cooking oil. Add the salmon, presentation side down, and cook for 6 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until just pink in the center.
Serve the salmon on top of the mole.
*If you’re an overachiever like my friend Joanne, you can also make your own mole from scratch. This won’t be a weeknight recipe if you do that though. Also, send me some because I’m not that ambitious.
This does sound delicious!I am always searching for amazing salmon recipes.
Well i know what I’m cooking tonight
this is a pretty genius meal! A great way to make that zucchini taste addictive. Thanks so much for the shout-out! Making the mole was definitely an all night affair…so it needs to be made ahead. But it was so worth it!
Of course! I’m in awe that you actually made it (and it looks so good!). It’s been on my “list” for forever, but I never seem to have the time or motivation to give it a try.
Do you drain and rinse the black beans before you add them? Or do you add them sauce and all?
Good question! I added the sauce and all – and I should have clarified that I used low sodium beans.
If your prefer to rinse your beans, you might just want to add about a half cup of water to the mix.
I have an adventuresome palate and will try things too. My husband had a rabbit dish just the other night at a very classy restaurant.
The black beans and pineapple sound very interesting in this. I love salmon so I know this is something that I would definitely order.
Sam
I’ve made manchamanteles with meat but I’m sure it’s delicious with salmon too. Your sure made it look it so. Great photos!
What an interesting recipe! I’ve never seen anything like it, but that flavor combination sounds wonderful. Gorgeous.
First time that I have come across something like this, I do like salmon so I guess I should give it a try.
Tablecloth stainer! I LOVE that. But then again, some of the messiest food is sure some of the best tasting, too.
Yummie <3
I love the sweet and spicy combo you’ve come up with here – fantastic!