Salmon Fillet in Pastry Crust

The salmon fillet in pastry crust is an elegant and tasty dish that presents a contrast of textures between the softness of the fish and the crispiness of the crust. Here is the recipe with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 200 g each)
• 1 roll of puff pastry
• 1 egg (for brushing)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Aromatic herbs as desired (for example dill, parsley or thyme)
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of creamy cheese (such as Philadelphia)
• 1 clove of garlic

Preparation

1. Pre-heat the oven to 200 °C.
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it so that you have one rectangle for each salmon fillet.
3. Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and the finely chopped aromatic herbs.
4. If desired, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over each fillet.
5. Place each fillet in the center of each puff pastry rectangle.
6. Add a bit of creamy cheese on top of the salmon. This step is optional but adds creaminess and flavor.
7. Prepare the beaten egg in a bowl and use it to brush the edges of the puff pastry.
8. Fold the puff pastry over the salmon fillet, sealing the edges well. Also brush the top with the egg to get a golden crust during cooking.
9. Make light cuts on the top of the puff pastry to prevent it from puffing up too much during cooking.
10. Place the crusted fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
11. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and crispy.

Curiosity

The puff pastry crust can be customized with additions such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even grated Parmesan before baking to give an extra touch of flavor and crispiness. Additionally, salmon is a fish highly appreciated in Italian cuisine for its tasty flesh and the ease with which it can be paired with different seasonings and cooking methods.