Salmon, spinach, and pea pie

Salmon, spinach, and pea pie – a delicious recipe for unforgettable moments

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

General description:
In the culinary world, few dishes manage to harmoniously combine healthy ingredients with exquisite taste like salmon, spinach, and pea pie. This recipe is not only an excellent choice for a family meal but also a perfect opportunity to impress guests. The omega-3 rich salmon, along with the vitamins from spinach and the sweetness of peas, merges tradition with health in an explosion of flavors.

Ingredients:
- 300 grams fresh or smoked salmon
- 1 kg potatoes
- 1 lemon (half for mash and half for sauce)
- 400 grams frozen peas
- 2 carrots
- 2 onions
- 500 ml skim milk
- 65 grams flour
- 40 grams butter
- 100 grams frozen spinach
- 1 tablespoon English mustard
- 40 grams grated Cheddar cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sautéed beans, for serving

Nutritional information:
This recipe is high in protein due to the salmon and is an excellent source of fiber and vitamins from vegetables. One serving contains approximately 450 calories, making it a good choice for a balanced meal.

Passion for cooking:
If you are a cooking enthusiast, this pie will give you the chance to explore a variety of preparation techniques. From boiling potatoes to cooking salmon, each step will enhance your culinary skills.

Useful tips:
- Choose fresh salmon for a more intense flavor, but smoked salmon can add a unique taste.
- Potatoes can be boiled in salted water to enhance the flavor of the mash.
- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen if available for a more pleasant texture.

Step-by-step cooking technique:

1. Preheat the oven:
Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. It’s important to have the oven ready before placing the pie inside, ensuring it bakes evenly.

2. Boil the potatoes:
Peel and cut the potatoes into large cubes. Boil them in salted water for about 15 minutes or until soft. Check by piercing with a fork. Once ready, drain well.

3. Prepare the mash:
Mix the boiled potatoes with salt, pepper, butter, and the juice from half a lemon. Use a potato masher or a food processor to achieve a smooth and creamy mash.

4. Prepare the peas:
Place the peas in a sieve and pour hot water over them to quickly defrost. Then transfer them to the food processor and blend lightly until they become a thick puree.

5. Sauté the vegetables:
Chop the carrots and onion and sauté them in a little olive oil for 15 minutes. Ensure the vegetables become soft, but do not let them burn, as it will affect the taste.

6. Cook the salmon:
In a pan, heat the milk and add the salmon. Cook for 10 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate. Let it cool slightly and then flake it into strips.

7. Prepare the sauce:
Add the flour over the sautéed vegetables and mix well. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the spinach, salt, and pepper to taste.

8. Combine the ingredients:
Incorporate the flaked salmon, mustard, juice from the other half of the lemon, and grated Cheddar cheese into the mixture in the pan. Mix well to achieve a homogeneous composition.

9. Assemble the pie:
Transfer the salmon and vegetable mixture into a not overly large baking dish. Cover everything with the potato mash on top, leveling it with a spatula.

10. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the mash becomes slightly golden.

11. Serve:
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, alongside sautéed beans, which will add a crunchy texture and a note of freshness.

Possible variations:
- You can add other vegetables, such as broccoli or zucchini, to diversify the recipe.
- Replace spinach with kale for a more robust flavor and increased nutritional value.
- Instead of Cheddar cheese, you can use goat cheese for a more intense aroma.

Drink pairings:
To complete the meal, you can serve a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing herbal tea, which will balance the rich flavors of the pie.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, make sure to fully defrost it before use.

2. How can I make the pie easier to serve?
Wait a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to let it settle, which will help the composition stabilize.

3. Is it possible to prepare it in advance?
You can prepare the pie a day ahead and bake it just before serving.

The salmon, spinach, and pea pie is not just a tasty meal but also an opportunity to bring family and friends together. I wish you happy cooking and enjoy every bite!