Salmon with leek cream

Salmon with Leek Cream - A Refined and Healthy Recipe

Total time: 40 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 2

I invite you to indulge in a recipe for salmon with leek cream, an elegant and tasty combination, perfect for a special dinner or a festive meal. This recipe is not only simple, but it also offers an explosion of flavors thanks to the fresh ingredients. Whether you are an experienced cook or an enthusiastic beginner, the steps I will detail will help you create a dish worthy of a restaurant.

A Brief History of the Recipe

Salmon is a fish appreciated worldwide for its delicate taste and nutritional benefits. Combined with leeks, this recipe blends culinary tradition with innovation, bringing an element of freshness and a touch of elegance to the plate. Leeks, valued for their subtle flavor, are a versatile vegetable that can transform an ordinary dish into a true culinary masterpiece.

Necessary Ingredients

- 2 slices of fresh salmon (approximately 150-200 g each)
- 1 leek
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 tablespoon of cream
- 1 lemon (for juice and zest)
- 1/2 carrot (for decoration)
- 1 sprig of rosemary (for flavor)
- Butter, for greasing the pan
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Cherry tomatoes (for decoration)

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Cutting the Leek: Wash the leek well and slice it thinly. This vegetable will add a subtle yet distinctive flavor to your dish.

2. Sun-dried Tomatoes: If you have sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drain them well and chop them finely. They will provide a pleasant contrast to the salmon.

3. Carrot: Peel the carrot and cut it into coral shapes to add a splash of color to your plate.

Preparing the Leek Cream

1. Steaming the Leek: Place the leek slices in a steamer and let them cook for 10 minutes. This essential step will preserve the vibrant color of the leeks and help reveal their delicate flavors.

2. Leek Paste: Once the leeks are cooked, transfer them to a blender or use a masher to turn them into a fine paste. Add the butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Blend until you achieve a light green, pleasant leek cream that will be the sophisticated base of the dish.

Cooking the Salmon

1. Preparing the Pan: Use a non-stick pan (I recommend a triple-layer Teflon pan for even cooking). Grease the pan with a little butter to prevent sticking.

2. Seasoning the Salmon: Sprinkle the mixture of sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and a little sea salt on each slice of salmon. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the juice from half a lemon. This simple marinade will add a delicious flavor to the fish.

3. Cooking the Salmon: Place the salmon in the pan and add 1/2 cup of water in which you squeezed the leek juice. This trick will help retain the fish's juices and add a distinct flavor. Let the salmon cook for 10-12 minutes on one side, then carefully flip it using a spatula and cook on the other side until golden and well cooked.

Serving the Dish

Once the salmon is cooked, it's time to present it artistically:

1. Plating: Use a white platter to highlight the colors of the dish. You can place the salmon on a bed of leek cream.

2. Decoration: Whether you choose to create a fish from leek cream with a head, tail, and fins (using capers for eyes and leek slices for bubbles), or to place the leek cream on top of the salmon and decorate with cherry tomato garnishes and rosemary leaves with lemon zest, make sure each plate looks like a work of art.

Useful Tips for a Perfect Result

- Fresh Salmon: Always choose fresh, quality salmon. Its color should be vibrant, and the texture should be firm.
- Steaming: If you don't have a steamer, you can use a pot with boiling water and a lid to create steam.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding other spices or herbs, such as dill or coriander, to personalize the flavors of your dish.
- Serving with Wine: This dish pairs perfectly with a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay.

Nutritional Information

This salmon with leek cream dish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality proteins, and vitamins. One serving has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of butter and oil used. It is ideal for a healthy dinner, offering not only wonderful taste but also nutritional benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another fish instead of salmon?
Yes, you can replace salmon with trout or tuna, which have a comparable taste.

2. How can I store the leek cream?
You can store the leek cream in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat it gently before using it again.

3. Can I prepare the leek cream in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the leek cream a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator.

I invite you to try this elegant salmon with leek cream recipe. It is not only a healthy meal but also an opportunity to impress your loved ones with your culinary talent. Enjoy your meal!