Baked Pasta with Salmon, Leek and Pumpkin

Serves: 4 - 6

Ingredients
150g Tassal Hot Smoked Natural Salmon, skin removed & broken into small pieces
500g Rigatoni pasta,
100g baby spinach leaves
300ml cream
1 cup ricotta
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
¼-½ kent pumpkin, peeled & diced into 2cm cubes
2 leeks, cleaned & finely sliced
Freshly ground black pepper & salt
1 cup fresh sour dough cut into small crouton size cubes

To Serve:
Extra grated parmesan
Fresh basil leaves

Method
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for 5 minutes, then drain reserving 250ml of the cooking water. Transfer pasta to a large bowl and add the spinach, Tassal Hot Smoked Salmon, cream, ricotta and ½ of the grated parmesan. Mix well, then set aside.
Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and sauté the leek and pumpkin for 5-6 minutes or until just beginning to soften. Add to the pasta with the reserved cooking water and season generously with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.
Transfer to a 2-litre ceramic ovenproof dish and sprinkle with bread croutons. Bake in a preheated 200ºC oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with extra parmesan on the side. Serve immediately.

Tassal reveals almost three quarters of Australians lack confidence on how to cook salmon ahead of World Salmon Day

With World Salmon Day, the annual international celebration of one of the world's leading superfoods, fast approaching on 8 October, new consumer insights research commissioned by Australian salmon producer Tassal, has found that while the fish is a popular choice for Australian consumers, almost three quarters (71%)1 of the nation lack awareness of how to best cook it.

In a mission to champion Australia's love for the superfood, Tassal has teamed up with leading nutritionist Susie Burrell to highlight how easy it is to prepare salmon for different meals of the day, while also championing the unknown benefits of eating salmon – and why it is known for being so super.

Despite 61% of Australians seeing salmon as a healthy and nutritious meal option, research has shown that Aussies on average know only two salmon-based recipes, compared to seven chicken and five beef.

With Aussies struggling to know what to do with salmon in the kitchen to take advantage of its health-boosting abilities, Tassal is commandeering a new routine to make it easier than ever for families to have the confidence to cook it. Aussies are being encouraged to embrace the '5 + 5 = salmon made super' routine – an easy and efficient method where a fillet of salmon is grilled on each side for five minutes before being served.

Tassal is hoping to ingrain this 10-minute cooking routine in Aussie homes across the country, shifting perceptions of many who are unclear on how quickly and easily salmon can be prepared.

Burrell says the benefits of eating salmon more regularly is more extensive than most people realise. "Fueling my family with the right foods is a key part of my role as a mum and salmon is one of the most nutrient-dense options available. It's one of the richest sources of omega-3 fats, its high in protein and contains vitamin D, vitamin E and a range of B group vitamins and antioxidants. There are few foods that offer so many key nutrients in a single serve, which is why salmon is frequently referred to as 'brain food'!"

Burrell continues: "Omega-3 fatty acids in particular provide a multitude of benefits throughout the body.

Over many years, research has shown that individuals who have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood experience a range of health benefits including a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease and inflammation."

"Most recently omega-3 fatty acids have also been linked to assisting depression and supporting mental health. With there being numerous benefits and it being so simple to prepare, there's no reason not to get salmon into your shopping trolley and on to your plate for the whole family."

Burrell is working closely with Tassal to provide nutritional consultancy and providing a range of healthy and tasty meal options for Australian households.

For additional nutritious and easy recipes from Tassal to enjoy this World Salmon Day – and beyond - visit: http://www.tassal.com.au/kitchen/recipes/.