Maple Crusted Salmon with Avocado Relish

Prep time: 10 minutes (ready in 40 minutes)

Serves 3

Avocado Relish

1 ripe avocado, peeled and chopped

3 tbsp banana peppers, chopped

3 tbsp green onions, chopped

3 tbsp cilantro, chopped

2 tbsp lime juice

1 tsp grated lime rind

1 tsp maple syrup

salt and fresh ground pepper

Mash avocado with fork until chunky.  Stir in peppers, onion, cilantro, lime juice, rind and maple syrup. Season well with salt and pepper and set aside.

Salmon

1.5 lb salmon, skin on

2 tbsp olive oil, divided

2 tbsp maple syrup, divided

salt 

2 tsp fresh ground pepper

Preheat oven to 450.

Cut fillets in half or thirds if they're really big. Brush with 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp maple syrup on the skin side of the fish as well as on the flesh side. Season with salt and cracked black pepper.

Heat a large non-stick skillet over high heat until very hot.  Add remaining one tbsp oil and swirl to coat pan.  Place fish, skin side down in skillet and sear for 2 minutes. Transfer to baking sheet, skin-side down and brush with remaining maple syrup and bake for 15 minutes.  

Place fish on plate and serve avocado relish on top or side.