Poached Salmon with Dill Sauce, Boiled Potatoes and Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon

Ingredients

• 2 lb Yukon Gold Potatoes (Or Russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into uniform 2-inch pieces)
• 8 cup Water (Or enough to cover potatoes by 1-2 inches)
• 1 tbsp Salt (For the boiling water)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the potatoes. Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cool running water. You can peel them or leave the skin on for more nutrients and fiber. If using larger potatoes, cut them into uniform 2-inch chunks to ensure they all cook at the same rate.

2. 2

   Start in cold water. Place the prepared potatoes in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the salt, then pour in enough cold water to cover the potatoes by at least 1-2 inches. Starting with cold water is crucial as it helps the potatoes cook evenly from the inside out.

3. 3

   Bring to a boil, then simmer. Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it's boiling, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle, steady simmer.

4. 4

   Cook until tender. Let the potatoes simmer for 15-20 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and type of your potatoes. Start checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark by piercing a potato with the tip of a paring knife or a fork. It is ready when the utensil slides in easily with no resistance.

5. 5

   Drain and dry the potatoes. Once tender, carefully drain the potatoes in a colander. For a fluffier texture, return the drained potatoes to the hot, empty pot and place it back on the warm burner (with the heat turned off) for 1-2 minutes. Gently shake the pot to help evaporate any remaining surface moisture.

6. 6

   Serve immediately. The potatoes are now ready. Serve them hot, tossed with butter, fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and a sprinkle of black pepper, or use them as the base for your favorite potato salad or mashed potatoes recipe.

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed)
• 0.25 cup chicken broth (can substitute with water)
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the bacon until crisp. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the bacon is browned and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.

2. 2

   Sauté the aromatics. Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

3. 3

   Sauté and steam the green beans. Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss to coat in the fat and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn bright green and begin to blister.

4. 4

   Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the beans steam for 3-5 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crisp-tenderness.

5. 5

   Finish and serve. Uncover the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing any remaining liquid to evaporate. Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and toss everything together. Serve immediately.