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2/16/13

Lenten Meal Ideas: Oven Baked Salmon Loaf with an optional Simple White Sauce







Lent is the season of penance and prayer before Easter.  This year, Lent began on Wednesday, February 13 and ends on Saturday, March 30.   

I was born on a Tuesday, Baptized on Sunday and raised Catholic.  One of the things we do to observe Lent is to abstain from eating meat or heavy meals on Fridays.  I hadn't thought about that today, but I guess my brain and body already knew subconsciously because without any conscious thought, I chose to have Garlic and Herb Tilapia for lunch and when I planned out tonight's dinner I automatically grabbed a package of large shrimp from the freezer as well as 2 cans of Salmon to make a Salmon Loaf!

Subconsciously I guess my body knew today was the first Friday in Lent!   I've already posted an entry for today (Friday) so I'm going to post this one for tomorrow.  Put in your list of menu idea's not just because it's a great idea for a Friday night dinner, but mostly because it's a frugal and delicious meal idea!   You can make it with leftover salmon you've grilled or broiled or baked from another meal, but it's easily made with canned salmon, which is really affordable and can be found everywhere from the obvious grocery stores even down to your local dollar stores!



Salmon Loaf

1/4 c fresh onion, chopped fine
1 t dried dill weed
1 T butter
1 slightly beaten egg
1/4 - 1/3 c milk or cream
1 c soft bread crumbs
Leftover salmon to equal about 2 cups  (*can use 2 cans of salmon - clean the skin and bones off and discard)

In a microwaveable bowl place the onion, dill and pepper with the pat of butter. Microwave about 2-3 minutes until the onion is tender. Combine the egg, bread crumbs, milk and butter/onion mixture. Add the salmon, breaking it apart as you add it. Mix with your hands for best blending. Shape into a loaf and place in a bread loaf pan (6X3") that has been greased or sprayed. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Broil for a few minutes to crisp up the top if you prefer a slight crust on your salmon loaf.

OPTIONAL:  Top with a white sauce to which you've added a peas and/or some cheese.

Simple White Sauce

2 T butter
1 T flour
1/2 t salt
1/8 t white pepper
1/8 t paprika
3/4 c milk
1 T lemon juice
1/2 c frozen pea's - thawed

Microwave the butter until melted; add the flour and seasonings, then the milk and lemon juice. Microwave 4-5 minutes, stirring after each minute. Add 1/2 cup peas. Stir and serve over salmon.
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