Garlic and Cream Cheese Crusted Salmon Fillets

SERVES: 4

Ingredients:

2 salmon fillets

50g (1.7oz) light cream cheese

1 clove fresh garlic (or 1tsp garlic granules)

1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or a herb of your choice)

30g (~1oz) breadcrumbs or rolled oats

Black pepper

Olive oil

Recipe Summary

Eating oily fish is beneficial to manage the symptoms of arthritis. The marine omega 3 fatty acids it contains have been shown to help decrease joint inflammation and pain in those with inflammatory arthritis. The same fatty acids are also beneficial for our brains and overall health. Besides the usefulness of the essential fatty acids, oily fish is a good source of vitamin D. The intake of this vitamin is particularly helpful to people with arthritis who do not have adequate sun exposure.

It can be hard to keep coming up with new ways to get your recommended 2 to 3 portions of oily fish a week though so why not try this speedy salmon dish. It looks impressive but only takes a few minutes to prepare which makes it great for flare days. You can vary the flavours of the cream cheese topping according to your tastes; try adding pesto and hazelnuts or lemon and parsley.

If you can, try to buy sustainably sourced wild Alaskan salmon. It’s leaner than ordinary farmed salmon and a richer source of those important omega 3 fatty acids.

Method:

In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, garlic, black pepper and paprika. Now, spread this thickly over the top of the salmon fillets, until they are covered in a smooth layer. Sprinkle half the breadcrumbs over each fillet and spritz liberally with the cooking spray.

Bake the salmon at 180C/375F for around 15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.

Serve immediately.

Why not accompany the dish with some wild rice?