Salmon Fillet with Sweet Potato and Mixed Vegetables

Ingredients

• Salmon fillet 150 g
• Sweet potato 300 g
• Mixed vegetables 200 g
• Olive oil 2 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Garlic powder 1 tsp
• Lemon wedge 1

Method

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes, about 2 cm each. This helps them cook evenly.
   Tip: Try to keep the cubes similar in size for uniform cooking.
2. Season and roast sweet potatoes. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the sweet potato cubes in a bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. Toss well to coat. Spread them out on a baking tray in a single layer.
   Tip: Do not overcrowd the tray to ensure they roast rather than steam.
3. Roast sweet potatoes. Put the tray into the oven and roast the sweet potatoes for about 25 minutes. Halfway through (around 12 minutes), use a spatula to turn them so they brown evenly.
   Tip: Check for tenderness by poking with a fork; they should be soft inside with a slightly crispy outside.
4. Prepare the salmon. While the sweet potatoes roast, pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
   Tip: Drying the salmon helps it sear better.
5. Cook the salmon. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. When hot, place the salmon skin-side down if it has skin. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving it to get a nice crust. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
   Tip: If unsure, gently press the thickest part; it should feel firm but springy.
6. Cook the mixed vegetables. While the salmon cooks, steam or microwave the mixed vegetables until tender but still bright in color, about 5 minutes. If using frozen vegetables, follow package instructions.
   Tip: Avoid overcooking to keep nutrients and texture.
7. Plate and serve. Arrange the roasted sweet potatoes and steamed mixed vegetables on a plate. Place the cooked salmon fillet on top or beside them. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon for extra flavor.
   Tip: Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Pro tips

• Use a timer to keep track of cooking times for perfect results.
• If you prefer, you can bake the salmon in the oven alongside the sweet potatoes during the last 10 minutes at 200°C.