5.27.2013

Robert May's Poached Salmon with Oranges and Red Wine


Quite some time ago, while watching the Two Fat Ladies cooking series reruns, I was intrigued by a salmon recipe one of them made, attributed to Robert May. If you're familiar with their series, it was in Episode Two, Season Two, the Vintage motorcycle rally in Hesket, New Market. I've made the dish many times since and thought to share it with you today.

Robert May was born in 1588 and was an English Chef who trained in France. His father was also a chef and May
 was sent to Paris at the age of 10, for 5 years, to train as a chef. This was probably due to the fact that he was catholic and his parents wanted to protect him from the unrest in England at the time. After May served an apprenticeship in London, he came back to work for his father, one of several chefs doing so. Following that, Robert moved around the country serving in other "suitable" (meaning aristocratic and Catholic) households, one of which was  Sir Anthony Browne, Viscount Montague, England’s Ambassador to Rome and a Knight of The Garter. His country estate was Cowdray House, west Sussex. 
During the period of the English Civil War, May began work on his book, The Accomplisht Cook, though it was not published until the year of Charles II's restoration (1660), by which time Robert May was already 72 years of age. His cookbook was an extraordinary thing at the time as chefs jealously guarded their secrets and this was the first substantial recipe book to be published in England. Over the following years Robert May updated the book, with the 1665 edition (about the fifth) being the final one that he edited himself. Robert May died in his 80s in 1664/1665. 



Deana, from Long Past Remembered, has several posts on Robert May and his recipes. And if you know Deana, you know she's the dedicated authority on all chefs and recipes past. She'll have much more detailed information on Robert May. Be sure to check out at least one of her posts HERE

May's poached salmon dish is quite perfect, the orange a marvelous foil for the salmon and it's made with only two ingredients, (aside from the salmon) which you probably have in your pantry already. The only pesky thing is peeling and slicing the oranges. :) So as a shortcut, if you're cooking for one or two, just use the wine and orange juice and save the orange slices as a presentation feature when you have company.
You'll notice very few measurements here as The Two Fat Ladies were annoyingly vague in that department, although I do think they put out a cookbook at the time. You'll have to do some guessing, depending on how much salmon you use. This particular recipe serves two. 

BTW: Not the first time I've posted something from The Two Fat Ladies series (see Spatchcocked Game Hens) and we love both recipes.


Robert May's Poached Salmon in Oranges and Red Wine
Seen on Two Fat Ladies, Season Two, Episode Two


Ingredients:
salmon fillet
orange slices (blood oranges would be wonderful)
3/4 cup orange juice
3/4 cup good quality red wine
freshly grated nutmeg (don't omit!)
Salt and pepper

Method:
Peel the oranges and slice. Place a layer in a skillet or pan and lay the salmon on top. Lay more orange slices around the the salmon and then add salt, pepper and nutmeg to the very top of the salmon. Finish by topping with remaining orange slices. Pour orange juice over the top and then red wine.
Place skillet on the stove, cover, and poach for about 10 or 15 minutes. Watch carefully. Much depends on the size of your salmon. Nothing is worse than overcooked fish!




19 comments:

  1. I would be tempted to not add the nutmeg but this is a historical recipe from someone who knows way more than I do about what flavours marry well together. I would add it.

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  2. The two fat ladies are awesome!

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  3. A marvelous dish! That combination is really original.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  4. I love salmon and am totally intrigued with the flavour combo of this poached salmon. Can't wait to try it.

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  5. I loved the Two Fat Ladies. The shows Clarissa has done on her own since Jennifer died just aren't as good.

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  6. I've never seen the Two Fat ladies but have heard a lot about them. :) I think you did a great job intuiting the measurements in this dish! Sounds like a good one.

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  7. This looks delicious! I'm putting this in my files for a light summer meal one day soon. Thanks Barbara!

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  8. It does look good... and interesting.

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  9. Love that it is a historical recipe :D
    Delicious!

    Cheers
    CCU

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  10. This looks lovely, and Deana's blog sounds so interesting! I really enjoyed reading the history of Robert May.

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  11. Muy interesante esa combinación me encantan las recetas tradicionales,hugs.

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  12. So interesting and simple...I love the idea of salmon in citrus...need to give this a try...maybe then mu husband will eat salmon.
    Thanks for the recipe Barbara, hope you are having a great week :)

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  13. I love poached salmon and this is a totally new way of doing so. I didn't know May, thanks for introducing him to me!

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  14. while i'm sorry to report that fish still fails to appeal to me in any way, i love what the oranges must add to this!

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  15. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  16. oh dear I jump this I dont think before! Look really delicious!
    I love salmon!xo

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  17. This sounds like a different and delicious.

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  18. I've started a new series on my blog, "Salmon Saturday". This is a must make. It sounds incredible Barbara. Pinning, and hope to make it soon.

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  19. I've started a new series on my blog, "Salmon Saturday". This is a must make. It sounds incredible Barbara. Pinning, and hope to make it soon.

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