What is Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute?
I’ve always been fascinated by the delectable combination of flavors and textures in various dishes, and Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute is one that particularly stands out to me.
This dish, inspired by the culinary creativity of the Hairy Bikers – a well-known duo famous for their approachable and hearty cooking styles – takes salmon to the next level.
En croute, meaning “in crust” in French, perfectly describes this preparation where a succulent salmon fillet is encased in a beautifully golden, flaky pastry.
The salmon is often layered with a rich spread, such as a creamy dill sauce or spinach and ricotta mixture, adding depth and complexity to the flavors.
What Goes Best With Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute?
When I serve Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute, I like to complement it with sides that enhance its richness without overpowering the delicate flavors of the fish.
A light, lemony arugula salad, steamed asparagus, or even a simple medley of roasted root vegetables works wonders. For a starch, nothing beats a creamy potato gratin or fluffy herbed rice. These sides balance the meal, adding both freshness and a comforting touch.
Ingredients
To recreate the Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute, you’ll need:
- 1 large salmon fillet, skinless
- 500g puff pastry, ready-rolled
- 200g spinach, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen)
- 100g ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten, for glazing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dusting
How to Prepare Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6).
- Prepare the Filling: Sauté the spinach until wilted, squeeze out any excess moisture, then mix with ricotta, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle large enough to encase the salmon. Spread the spinach mixture over the pastry, leaving a border around the edges. Place the salmon on top of the spinach, then fold the pastry over the salmon, sealing the edges with a little water.
- Decorate and Glaze: With the remaining pastry, cut out shapes to decorate the top, if desired. Brush the pastry with beaten egg to give it a golden finish.
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute
Ingredients
- 1 large salmon fillet skinless
- 500 g puff pastry ready-rolled
- 200 g spinach fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen)
- 100 g ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- 1 egg beaten, for glazing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6).
- Prepare the Filling: Sauté the spinach until wilted, squeeze out any excess moisture, then mix with ricotta, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle large enough to encase the salmon. Spread the spinach mixture over the pastry, leaving a border around the edges. Place the salmon on top of the spinach, then fold the pastry over the salmon, sealing the edges with a little water.
- Decorate and Glaze: With the remaining pastry, cut out shapes to decorate the top, if desired. Brush the pastry with beaten egg to give it a golden finish.
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
Notes
How to Serve Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute
Serve this elegant dish directly after baking for the best experience. Cut into generous portions, ensuring each has a beautiful view of the salmon encased in its pastry shell. A drizzle of a dill-infused cream sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon enhances its flavors beautifully.
How to Reheat Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute
- Microwave: Not recommended, as it can make the pastry soggy.
- Oven: Preheat to 175°C (350°F). Wrap the piece in foil and heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Stovetop: Not suitable for this dish due to the pastry crust.
How to Store Leftovers of Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute
Wrap leftovers tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in foil and then placed in a freezer bag for up to a month.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hairy Bikers Salmon En Croute
Can I use other fish? Yes, trout or halibut also work well.
Can I make it ahead? Yes, assemble up to the baking step, then refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh when needed.
Is it healthy? While salmon is nutritious, the pastry adds calories. Moderation is key.
Nutritional Information
An approximate nutritional breakdown per serving, based on the ingredients listed, would be:
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 40g (with saturated fat around 15g)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
This dish, with its luxurious pastry and rich fillings, is a treat. Enjoying it in moderation as part of a balanced diet allows you to indulge in its delightful flavors without compromise.
