Seared Salmon on Herbed Mashed Peas

Makes 4 servings            Serving size :1 salmon fillet and 1/2 cup mashed peas)

1            teaspoon butter
1            cup thinly sliced leek
1/4         cup water
1            (10-ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed
1            tablespoon chopped fresh basil
2            tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2            teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
1/2         teaspoon salt, divided
1/2         teaspoon black pepper, divided
4            (6-ounce) salmon fillets $
             **Cooking spray Lemon wedges (optional)**

1 .       Heat butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add leek; cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add water and peas; cook 5 minutes or until peas are tender.
2 .       Place pea mixture in a food processor. Add basil, juice, and tarragon; process until smooth, adding more water if necessary. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; keep warm.
3 .       Sprinkle salmon with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add salmon, skin side down, and cook for 6 minutes or until golden. Turn, and cook for 8 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Serve salmon over warm mashed peas. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.
TIP :
Give mashed potatoes a break by serving salmon on a bed of brightly seasoned pureed peas. You may need to thin the pea mixture; add one tablespoon of water at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.