What to Cook this Weekend: Smoked Salmon Vermicelli

As a new parent, I have a stack of home and cooking related magazines languishing piles all over the house.  Sunset Magazine consistently delivers recipes I can cook in minimal time and with optimal deliciousness so I try to look at it when it arrives.  The January 2008 issue offered a recipe for Smoked Salmon Vermicelli.  This dish has been a welcome repetition at our house in winter and spring.  Someone must try it this summer and let me know if it needs lightening up.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, cut into half-moons
1 cup whipping cream
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
About 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
About 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 pound vermicelli
8 ounces hot- or cold-smoked salmon, cut into pieces
1/2 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large, high-sided frying pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook, stirring, until onion is soft but not browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in cream, lemon zest and juice, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until mixture has thickened slightly, 4 to 5 minutes.

2. Add pasta to water and cook according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water.

3. Add salmon to cream mixture and stir to combine. Pour pasta into frying pan with salmon-cream mixture and toss to coat, adding some of the cooking water as needed to moisten pasta. Add parsley and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

--flauersmartini