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Salmon in Puff Pastry Crust

17/11/2023

Salmon en croûte, or Salmon in puff pastry crust, is a very refined and popular dish, well-suited for an elegant dinner or a special occasion. Here’s how to prepare it with an Italian twist by adding a bit of pesto to flavor the fish.

Ingredients

  • 2 fresh salmon fillets (about 150-200 g each, skinless and boneless)
  • 1 rectangular roll of puff pastry
  • 2 tablespoons of Genovese pesto (for an Italian touch)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg yolk for brushing the pastry
  • Chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C (fan) or 220 °C (conventional).
  2. Gently lay out the puff pastry on a work surface, trying to keep it cool.
  3. If pesto is not available, you can chop fresh herbs such as dill or parsley into it, depending on your taste, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
  4. Place one salmon fillet in the center of the pastry, season it with salt, pepper, and spread the pesto on one side.
  5. Cover with the second salmon fillet, placing the side with the pesto against the other fillet.
  6. Cut the puff pastry around the salmon, leaving an edge of about 2-3 cm, then fold the edges upwards, sealing the corners well.
  7. Brush the egg yolk over the surface of the pastry to give it a nice golden color when baking.
  8. Make small cuts in the pastry (without cutting into the salmon) to allow steam to escape during baking.
  9. Bake on a baking tray lined with parchment paper for about 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.
  10. Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting. Serve the salmon en croûte with lemon wedges and, if you like, sprinkle chopped chives on top.

Remember to monitor the salmon during cooking, as times may vary based on the thickness of the fillets and your oven type.

Curiosity

Salmon en croûte is part of the French culinary tradition but has been adapted in many cultures. The addition of Genovese pesto, which represents a glory of Italian cuisine, makes this dish a perfect meeting between French elegance and the intense, aromatic flavors of Italy.