Blackened Salmon Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan Delight

Ingredients

• 4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• to taste salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• as needed lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
3. Using a sharp knife, make a pocket in the center of each salmon fillet, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the outside of the salmon fillets with smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
4. Generously stuff each salmon pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture. Press gently to ensure the filling stays inside.
5. In the same skillet used for the filling, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the stuffed salmon fillets into the skillet, skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is nicely blackened and cooked through.
6. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a minute. Serve with lemon wedges on the side and garnish with fresh parsley.