Salmon pâté

Salmon wrapped in homemade dough is a true delicacy, perfect for any festive meal or simply for a weekend lunch. This appetizer not only impresses with its appearance but also with its refined taste, which will win over even the most discerning fish lovers. In this recipe, we will explore step by step how to prepare this delicious salmon dish, enjoy its flavors, and learn some useful tips along the way.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 175 g flour
- 80 g cold grated butter
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon full of yogurt
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of ground cumin

For the salmon filling:
- 4 pieces of fresh salmon fillet (approximately 600 g)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs (boiled for 12 minutes)
- 1 raw egg
- 2 bunches of green onions
- 2 bunches of green garlic
- 1 large white onion
- 1 carrot
- 2 bunches of dill
- 2 bunches of parsley
- A pinch of turmeric
- A pinch of thyme
- A pinch of paprika
- A pinch of pepper
- A pinch of garlic powder
- Salt to taste (approximately 3 teaspoons)
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg yolk for brushing

A brief history of the recipe

The dish is a traditional preparation that has evolved over time in different cultures. Usually, it is associated with Easter celebrations, but today it is appreciated throughout the year, offering a combination of textures and flavors that make it a versatile appetizer. It has deep roots in gastronomy, often symbolizing abundance and the joy of being together with loved ones.

Step by step: Preparing the salmon dish

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a bowl, mix the flour with the cold grated butter, olive oil, yogurt, egg, salt, and cumin. Knead until you get a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour.
- Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up and become easier to roll out.

2. Preparing the filling:
- Remove the salmon from the freezer and let it sit in water for 10 minutes to partially thaw. This trick makes deboning easier. Once the salmon has been deboned, chop it in a meat grinder.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan, add the finely chopped white onion and salmon. Cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Wash and clean the green onions, green garlic, carrot, dill, and parsley. Use the meat grinder to chop all these ingredients. Add them to the bowl with the salmon and sautéed onion.
- Add the raw egg, spices (turmeric, thyme, paprika, pepper, garlic powder), and salt to taste. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous filling.

3. Assembling the dish:
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a sheet of parchment paper into a rectangular shape. Make sure the dough is long enough to completely cover the filling.
- Place the dough in the baking pan, leaving enough edges to wrap the dish.
- Place the salmon filling in the center and arrange the halved boiled eggs lengthwise. Cover the filling with the edges of the dough, forming a 'package'. From the remaining dough, you can create a cross or another decoration on top.
- Brush the dish with egg yolk for a golden and appetizing crust.

4. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Useful tips

- Choose fresh salmon: The taste of the dish largely depends on the quality of the salmon. Opt for fresh fillets, bone-free.
- Try other herbs: You can experiment with herbs like fennel, basil, or oregano to give a personal touch.
- Serving: The dish can be served warm or cold, alongside a fresh green salad or yogurt sauce with dill. It is perfect for a festive meal or a picnic.
- Cook it in advance: This dish can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavor will intensify, and the dish will be even better the next day.

Nutritional information

Each serving of salmon dish contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, you can replace salmon with other types of fish, such as trout or tuna. Make sure to adjust the spices according to your preferences.

- What can I do with the leftover dough?
You can use the leftover dough to make small tarts or savory cookies. It is an excellent base for various appetizers.

- Is the dish healthy?
With fresh and nutrient-rich ingredients, the salmon dish is a good choice for a balanced meal, providing benefits from omega-3 and vitamins from the vegetables.

Vegetarian option

If you want to try a vegetarian version, you can replace the salmon with chopped mushrooms and vegetables (for example, zucchini, peppers). Add spices and cheese for extra flavor.

Salmon wrapped in homemade dough is not just a delicious appetizer but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around the table. I wish you much success in preparing this recipe, and the result will undoubtedly be extraordinary!