Imagine impressing your dinner guests with a stunning, golden-brown pastry that reveals a perfectly cooked salmon fillet nestled on a bed of vibrant spinach when cut open. This Salmon and Spinach Parcel is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dish that looks like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned home chef, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: International
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet at room temperature for about 10 minutes until it becomes pliable but still cool.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon juice on both sides.
- Wash the fresh spinach leaves and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Cut the puff pastry sheet into two equal squares large enough to fully wrap each salmon fillet.
- Place a bed of fresh spinach leaves in the center of each pastry square.
- Carefully place a seasoned salmon fillet on top of the spinach leaves.
- Fold the pastry corners over the salmon, creating a neat parcel and sealing the edges.
- Brush the entire surface of each pastry parcel with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
- Make a small slit on top of each parcel to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Transfer the parcels to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Carefully transfer to plates and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh lemon wedges.
Tips
- Pastry Temperature Matters: Ensure your puff pastry is thawed but still cool to the touch. This helps create those beautiful, flaky layers.
- Don't Overload: Be careful not to overfill your parcels, as this can prevent proper sealing and cause leaks during baking.
- Egg Wash Technique: For a professional-looking golden sheen, apply the egg wash gently with a pastry brush, ensuring even coverage.
- Steam Slit is Crucial: The small slit on top prevents the pastry from becoming soggy and helps create a crisp, puffy exterior.
- Resting Time: Allow the parcels to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the salmon finish cooking and makes the parcels easier to plate.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh salmon fillets and spinach for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
- Serving Suggestion: A squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving can brighten the entire dish and complement the rich salmon.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
