The Delia Smith Salmon En Croute is an elegant and delicious dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. It features a beautiful salmon fillet wrapped in puff pastry, with a flavorful filling of herbs and a hint of mustard. This French-inspired dish is easy to prepare and delivers a stunning presentation, making it a go-to recipe for entertaining.
What is Delia Smith Salmon En Croute?
Delia Smith’s Salmon En Croute is a classic French dish where fresh salmon fillets are encased in puff pastry and baked until golden and crispy. The salmon is often layered with a rich filling of herbs and a mustard-flavored cream mixture, giving it a flavorful and moist interior. The crispy pastry contrasts beautifully with the tender salmon inside, making it a showstopper dish.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Elegant Presentation: Perfect for dinner parties or special family meals.
- Flavorful Combination: The buttery puff pastry pairs perfectly with the rich salmon and herb filling.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its impressive look, the recipe is straightforward and can be made with store-bought puff pastry.
- Impressive yet Simple: A great way to impress guests with minimal effort.
- Customizable: You can add your own twists with different herbs or sauces.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Salmon En Croute
- Salmon Fillets (2 large, skinless fillets, around 400g each): Fresh, high-quality salmon is ideal.
- Puff Pastry (1 sheet, ready-rolled): Use store-bought puff pastry for ease.
- Butter (25g): Adds richness to the filling and helps the salmon stay moist.
- Shallots (2, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and flavor to the filling.
- Dill (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Provides a fresh, herby flavor.
- Lemon Zest (1 lemon): Adds a refreshing citrus kick that complements the salmon.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): For a subtle tang that enhances the flavor of the filling.
- Egg Yolk (1, beaten): For brushing the pastry and giving it a golden finish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Plain Flour (for dusting): To roll out the pastry.
Equipment
- Baking Tray: For baking the salmon en croute.
- Pastry Brush: To glaze the pastry with the beaten egg.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the puff pastry, if necessary.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the filling ingredients.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing the salmon and herbs.
Instructions to Prepare Delia Smith Salmon En Croute
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a small frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped shallots for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed shallots with chopped dill, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry if needed, ensuring it’s large enough to fully enclose both salmon fillets.
Step 4: Assemble the Salmon En Croute
- Place one salmon fillet in the center of the puff pastry. Spread the prepared shallot, dill, and mustard mixture evenly over the top of the salmon.
- Place the second salmon fillet on top, creating a sandwich with the filling in between.
- Fold the puff pastry over the salmon, trimming off any excess, and seal the edges tightly by crimping with a fork or pressing with your fingers.
Step 5: Glaze the Pastry
- Transfer the wrapped salmon onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the beaten egg yolk to give it a shiny, golden finish.
Step 6: Bake the Salmon En Croute
- Place the salmon en croute in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Check that the salmon inside is cooked through but still moist.
Step 7: Serve
- Once baked, remove the salmon en croute from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
What Goes Well With Delia Smith Salmon En Croute
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, asparagus, or parsnips are great choices.
- New Potatoes: Lightly buttered new potatoes are a classic side that pairs well with salmon.
- Steamed Green Beans: Add freshness to the plate with steamed green beans or broccoli.
- Lemon Butter Sauce: A simple lemon butter sauce drizzled over the salmon adds a luxurious touch.
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh, lightly dressed green salad balances the richness of the dish.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Salmon En Croute
- Keep the Pastry Chilled: Work with cold puff pastry to ensure it puffs up well and stays crisp.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading the filling as it could make the pastry soggy. Stick to a balanced amount.
- Seal the Pastry Well: Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Brush with Egg Yolk: The egg wash gives the pastry a beautiful golden finish—don’t skip this step.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the salmon en croute to rest for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier and prevent the pastry from breaking.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith Salmon En Croute
- Spinach and Ricotta Filling: Add a layer of spinach and ricotta between the salmon fillets for an extra creamy filling.
- Herb Butter: Replace the mustard mixture with a simple herb butter made from parsley, tarragon, and garlic.
- Smoked Salmon Layer: Include a layer of smoked salmon between the fresh fillets for an extra depth of flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the salmon with a mixture of roasted vegetables and a cheese filling for a delicious vegetarian version.
Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Salmon En Croute
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover salmon en croute in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked salmon en croute by wrapping it tightly in cling film and freezing it for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Label and Date: Always label and date frozen salmon en croute to ensure it’s used within the recommended time.
Best Practices to Reheat Delia Smith Salmon En Croute
- Oven Reheating: Reheat the salmon en croute in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the pastry stays crisp.
- Avoid the Microwave: Reheating in the microwave can make the pastry soggy, so it’s best to use the oven.
- Cover with Foil: If reheating the entire dish, cover it loosely with foil to prevent the pastry from over-browning while the salmon heats.
How Can I Make Delia Smith Salmon En Croute Healthier?
- Use Whole Wheat Puff Pastry: Swap regular puff pastry for a whole wheat version to boost the fiber content.
- Lighten the Filling: Use low-fat cream cheese or yogurt in the filling to cut down on calories and fat.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, kale, or mushrooms into the filling for added nutrients.
- Reduce the Butter: Use less butter in the filling or replace it with a lighter alternative.
- Serve with a Salad: Pair the dish with a fresh salad instead of heavier sides like potatoes.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
FAQs
Can you freeze Delia Smith Salmon En Croute?
Yes, you can freeze Delia Smith Salmon En Croute before baking. Wrap the prepared, unbaked salmon en croute tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, bake it from frozen at 200°C, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
How do you prevent the pastry from getting soggy in Salmon En Croute?
To prevent the pastry from getting soggy, ensure the salmon is patted dry before assembling. You can also sprinkle a light layer of flour or breadcrumbs on the pastry before placing the salmon to absorb any excess moisture during baking.
Can you make Salmon En Croute in advance?
Yes, you can make Salmon En Croute in advance. Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is ideal for saving time on the day of serving.
What is the best side dish for Salmon En Croute?
Roasted vegetables, steamed greens like broccoli or green beans, or buttery new potatoes are the best side dishes for Salmon En Croute. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great option to balance the richness of the dish.
Final Words
The Delia Smith Salmon En Croute is an elegant yet simple dish that’s sure to impress at any dinner table. The combination of buttery, flaky pastry with rich salmon and a tangy, herby filling makes this recipe a go-to for special occasions.
Serve it with roasted vegetables, new potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a truly memorable meal.
More By British Baking Recipes
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Delia Smith salmon en Croute
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Delia Smith’s Salmon En Croute is a classic French dish where fresh salmon fillets are encased in puff pastry and baked until golden and crispy. The salmon is often layered with a rich filling of herbs and a mustard-flavored cream mixture, giving it a flavorful and moist interior. The crispy pastry contrasts beautifully with the tender salmon inside, making it a showstopper dish.
Ingredients
- Salmon Fillets (2 large, skinless fillets, around 400g each): Fresh, high-quality salmon is ideal.
- Puff Pastry (1 sheet, ready-rolled): Use store-bought puff pastry for ease.
- Butter (25g): Adds richness to the filling and helps the salmon stay moist.
- Shallots (2, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and flavor to the filling.
- Dill (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Provides a fresh, herby flavor.
- Lemon Zest (1 lemon): Adds a refreshing citrus kick that complements the salmon.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): For a subtle tang that enhances the flavor of the filling.
- Egg Yolk (1, beaten): For brushing the pastry and giving it a golden finish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Plain Flour (for dusting): To roll out the pastry.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a small frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped shallots for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed shallots with chopped dill, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry if needed, ensuring it’s large enough to fully enclose both salmon fillets.
Step 4: Assemble the Salmon En Croute
- Place one salmon fillet in the center of the puff pastry. Spread the prepared shallot, dill, and mustard mixture evenly over the top of the salmon.
- Place the second salmon fillet on top, creating a sandwich with the filling in between.
- Fold the puff pastry over the salmon, trimming off any excess, and seal the edges tightly by crimping with a fork or pressing with your fingers.
Step 5: Glaze the Pastry
- Transfer the wrapped salmon onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the beaten egg yolk to give it a shiny, golden finish.
Step 6: Bake the Salmon En Croute
- Place the salmon en croute in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Check that the salmon inside is cooked through but still moist.
Step 7: Serve
- Once baked, remove the salmon en croute from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
