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Cocoa Spiced Salmon with Roasted Root Veggies

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This cocoa spiced salmon recipe features a unique blend of unsweetened cocoa, smoked paprika, and earthy spices, roasted alongside caramelized root vegetables for a comforting, flavorful dinner. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
  • 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks
  • 2 medium potatoes, scrubbed and diced (Yukon Gold or red potatoes preferred)
  • 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Peel and cut carrots and parsnips into sticks, dice potatoes, and cut red onion into wedges. Toss all veggies with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and thyme or rosemary if using. Spread evenly on half of the baking sheet.
  3. Roast vegetables for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Meanwhile, mix cocoa powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and honey or maple syrup (if using); mix into a thick paste.
  5. Pat salmon fillets dry. Place them skin-side down on the other half of the baking sheet. Spread cocoa spice mixture evenly over each fillet.
  6. Return baking sheet to oven. Roast salmon and finish veggies for 12-15 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork (internal temp 145°F). Veggies should be golden and tender.
  7. If salmon is done before veggies, remove it and let veggies roast a few minutes longer if needed.
  8. Serve salmon with roasted veggies, squeeze lemon wedges over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Pat salmon dry for best spice adhesion. If veggies crowd the tray, use two sheets to ensure roasting, not steaming. Spice rub can be made ahead. Swap root veggies as desired. For dairy-free, use maple syrup instead of honey. Salmon thickness affects cook time; check early to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cocoa spiced salmon, roasted root vegetables, easy salmon dinner, gluten-free salmon, weeknight salmon, cocoa spice rub, healthy salmon recipe

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/cocoa-spiced-salmon-recipe-easy-dinner-with-roasted-root-veggies/