Oven-baked salmon in a flaky pastry crust

Oven-baked salmon in flaky pastry crust

If you are looking for a recipe that combines refinement with exceptional taste, you have come to the right place! Oven-baked salmon in flaky pastry crust is not just a delicious recipe, but one that will impress your guests and turn any meal into a true feast. This recipe combines the delicate flavors of salmon with a savory vegetable filling and a crispy crust, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 700 g salmon fillet
- Vegetable filling:
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 200 g frozen or fresh spinach
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 150 g grated mozzarella
- 100 g grated parmesan
- 5-6 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 20 g butter
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crust:
- 100 g cold butter
- 200 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons cold water (if needed)
- 1 cold egg

Recipe history:
Over time, fish dishes have enjoyed special appreciation in world gastronomy. Salmon, due to its fine texture and rich taste, is often considered a staple ingredient in various dishes. Combining it with a flaky pastry crust is not only a way to enhance the flavor but also a culinary tradition that brings a touch of elegance to any meal.

Preparing the dough:
1. Start by preparing the dough to give it time to rest. In a bowl, combine 200 g of flour with a pinch of salt.
2. Add the cold butter cut into cubes and, using your fingers or a mixer, mix until you achieve a texture similar to breadcrumbs.
3. Incorporate the cold egg and mix well. If necessary, add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water to obtain a firm and slightly elastic dough.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Preparing the filling:
1. Peel and finely chop the onion, and crush the garlic.
2. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the onion. Sauté until it becomes glassy.
3. If using fresh spinach, wash it, chop it finely, and rub it with a little salt to release the water. Squeeze it out and add it to the pan with the onion, along with the crushed garlic.
4. If using frozen spinach, thaw it and add it directly to the pan. Continue cooking until all the water evaporates.
5. Increase the heat and add the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and cumin, then let it boil for 3-4 minutes, until the liquid has completely evaporated.
6. Add the breadcrumbs and grated parmesan, mix well, and let the mixture cool.

Assembling the dish:
1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
2. Check the salmon fillet to ensure it has no bones, using tweezers to remove them in the correct direction.
3. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and cumin, then place it on a sheet of dough rolled out on the work surface, sprinkled with 2-3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
4. Spread the spinach filling evenly over the salmon and sprinkle grated mozzarella on top.
5. Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg and wrap the salmon fillet, first folding the larger edges. Make sure each seam is well sealed with egg.
6. Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper and place the salmon in the crust, seam side down. Score the dough in a diamond pattern for an attractive look.
7. Brush the entire surface of the dough with beaten egg and place the tray in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the dough turns golden and crispy.

Serving:
After removing the dish from the oven, let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This oven-baked salmon in flaky pastry crust pairs perfectly with a fresh vegetable salad and a parsley tahini paste, bringing a wonderful contrast of flavors.

Useful tips:
- Make sure to use cold butter for the dough, as it will help achieve a flaky crust.
- If you want to add a touch of flavor, you can experiment with other spices like dill or smoked paprika.
- This dish pairs excellently with a glass of dry white wine, which will enhance the delicate flavors of the salmon.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use smoked salmon instead of fresh fillet?
- It is recommended to use fresh salmon for better texture, but if you prefer, you can use smoked salmon, keeping in mind that it will require a shorter cooking time.

- What type of dough can I use if I don't have time to make one from scratch?
- You can opt for store-bought flaky dough, but make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package.

- How long does this dish keep?
- The crusted salmon keeps in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. I recommend reheating it in the oven to maintain its crispy texture.

Enjoy this delicious recipe and turn every meal into a special moment! Bon appétit!