Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon grated peeled ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped
  • 1 pound rhubarb, stalks only, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • Four 6-ounce salmon fillets with skin
  • 4 ounces pea shoots or watercress

Method

  • In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, ginger, allspice and vanilla bean and seeds.
  • Add the rhubarb; bring to a boil.
  • Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is jamlike, about 20 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Discard the vanilla bean.
  • In a nonstick skillet, heat the oil over moderately high heat.
  • Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
  • Cook, turning once, until lightly browned, 8 minutes.
  • Spoon the sauce onto plates, top with the salmon and pea shoots and serve.