Smoked Salmon Recipes

During the holiday season, choosing the right ingredients plays a crucial role in creating a magical and cozy atmosphere. Among them, smoked salmon stands out as a true protagonist, bringing with it an elegance and flavor that embellishes any table.

Let's explore smoked salmon as a prized ingredient for the holidays, an ingredient that stands out for its versatility and ability to add a touch of elegance to any dish. With its countless uses in the kitchen, we will take you on a journey that reveals how smoked salmon can transform your Christmas menus into masterpieces of taste and sophistication.

Not the usual canapés: Christmas Finger Food with Salmon.

Although puff pastry canapés with smoked salmon remain a beloved and traditional Christmas appetizer, there are countless ways to use this ingredient in creative ways. From classic appetizers to innovative reinterpretations of traditional dishes, smoked salmon lends itself well to a wide range of finger foods. Offering small hors d'oeuvres to be eaten in one bite allows guests to have a varied and tasty dining experience while also enjoying different dishes in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

With Christmas celebrations coming, the kitchen is transformed into a place of sharing and joy. Finger foods, with their elegance and convenience, are ideal for making Christmas lunches and dinners unique. These small tapas not only make it easier for guests to socialize, but also add a touch of aesthetic sophistication to a table well decorated with Christmas items.

Imagine cheese and smoked salmon rolls stuffed with cream cheese and herbs: a sophisticated appetizer that is surprisingly quick to prepare. Start by mixing some goat cheese with a selection of finely chopped herbs, such as dill and chives. You can also add a pinch of black pepper and a little lemon juice to give it a fresh twist. Lay thin slices of smoked salmon on a cutting board, making sure they are large enough to roll up. Spread the herb cheese on the salmon slices, then roll gently to form the rolls. If necessary, you can use toothpicks to keep the rolls closed. Refrigerate the rolls about an hour before serving so that the cheese firms up slightly.

For a light start to a meal with colors that recall Christmas, a smoked salmon salad with citrus and pomegranate will be an ideal choice. To prepare this delicious salad, finely slice the smoked salmon fillet and peel oranges, grapefruits or tangerines, cutting them into slices or wedges. Also shell the pomegranate to obtain the seeds. Arrange a layer of baby spinach in clear glasses and add the smoked salmon on top. Spread the citrus slices over the salad and sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds for a nice color contrast. Prepare a light dressing by mixing extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, emulsifying it well. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and finally top the dish with chopped dill and a sprinkling of black pepper.

Blinis are a great classic at festive times, an alternative to bread croutons to bring the luxury of a great refined appetizer to the table. To make blinis with a festive flavor, spread crème fraîche on the base and lay slices or strips of smoked salmon on top. You can serve the blinis with a few grams of caviar on top. This elegant finger food will leave guests speechless; make plenty because they will go fast!

Simple and Quick Pasta Dishes with Salmon

Smoked salmon is an ingredient that goes far beyond appetizers, showing surprising versatility in pasta dishes as well. In pasta dishes, smoked salmon pairs wonderfully with pasta and risotto: the key is to balance the intense flavor of salmon with ingredients that enhance its qualities without overpowering them.

A classic example is cream and salmon pasta. Simple to prepare, it only requires briefly sauteing the salmon in a pan with a little butter or oil, adding cream, and finally joining the pasta cooked al dente. The presence of smoked salmon transforms a simple dish into a flavor-packed dining experience that gets everyone on the same page during Christmas dinner.

Even in risottos, smoked salmon offers a unique taste experience. A risotto enhanced by a lemon-flavored evo oil with smoked salmon is a dish that balances the acidity of the lemon with the rich aroma of the salmon, creating a balanced and aromatic dish.

For those who love tradition but are looking for innovative ideas for Christmas recipes, smoked salmon lasagna is an ideal dish to surprise guests without straying from the Italian custom of lasagna as a holiday meal. To prepare smoked salmon lasagna, start by making a homemade béchamel sauce. Melt some butter in a saucepan, add the flour, stirring well to avoid lumps, and then gradually incorporate the hot milk. Cook until the sauce becomes thick and creamy, adding a pinch of salt, pepper and nutmeg for flavor. Meanwhile, cut the smoked salmon into thin strips. Prepare a layer of sautéed spinach with a drizzle of oil and garlic, to add a touch of color and flavor. Once all the ingredients are ready, start composing the lasagna by alternating layers of lasagna noodles, béchamel sauce, smoked salmon and spinach. Be sure to finish with a layer of béchamel sauce and a sprinkling of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese for a tasty, golden crust. Bake the lasagna in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 to 40 minutes, until the surface turns golden and crispy.