Salmon Crostini

Salmon crostini are a refined and delicious appetizer, perfect for a special dinner or an elegant aperitif. Here’s a classic version that you can easily enhance with an Italian touch.

Ingredients

• Slices of homemade bread or baguette: 8
• Smoked salmon: 200 g
• Unsalted butter: 50 g at room temperature
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
• Chopped fresh dill: 1 tablespoon (or chives)
• Black pepper: to taste
• Salted capers: 1 tablespoon (optional)
• Lemon slices for garnish: 4 (optional)

Preparation

1. Toast the bread slices in the oven or on a grill until they are crispy and golden.
2. As the bread cools, prepare the lemon butter by mixing the soft butter with lemon juice, chopped dill, and a grind of black pepper. If you wish, you can add a pinch of salt, but keep in mind that the smoked salmon is already salty.
3. If you have chosen to use capers, rinse them to remove the excess salt and roughly chop them.
4. Spread a generous amount of flavored butter on each now warm or cold slice of bread.
5. Lay a slice of smoked salmon on each crostini, shaping the salmon so that it looks appealing and inviting.
6. If you like, sprinkle the crostini with the chopped capers and an additional dusting of fresh dill or chives.
7. Serve the crostini immediately, accompanied by a lemon slice which can be squeezed over the salmon for those who want a fresher and more acidic taste.

Curiosity

Smoked salmon is a very versatile ingredient that lends itself to multiple recipes. In Italy, you might find variations of this recipe that include using mascarpone instead of butter for a thicker and sweeter cream, or the addition of toma or robiola cheese for a more rustic and homemade approach to the dish.