Potato Baskets Filled with Salmon: A Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion
These crispy potato baskets filled with flavorful salmon and creamy cheese spread are an ideal appetizer to serve at a dinner party or a special occasion. With a delicate blend of textures and a burst of flavors, this dish will surely be a crowd-pleaser. The tender, golden potato baskets hold a deliciously rich filling made from fresh salmon, tangy cheese, and aromatic mint, offering a balance of creamy, savory, and slightly herby notes.
Servings: 6
Category: Appetizers
Ingredients:
To prepare these elegant potato baskets, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 300g |
| Hazelnut Flour | 20g |
| Grana Padano Cheese (grated) | 20g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Fine Salt | 5g |
| Ground Black Pepper | A pinch |
| Fresh Salmon | 200g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 20g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Soft Cheese (such as cream cheese) | 250g |
| Fresh Mint | 5 leaves |
| Fine Salt | 5g |
Preparation Steps:
-
Prepare the Potato Baskets:
Start by preparing the potato baskets, which will form the crispy shells for the filling. Begin by washing the potatoes thoroughly, then peel them carefully. Grate the potatoes using a coarse grater to achieve a rough texture. This will give the baskets their crispy exterior. -
Mix the Potato Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add the grated potatoes. Crack the egg into the bowl and sprinkle in the finely grated Grana Padano cheese. Season with 5g of fine salt and a pinch of ground black pepper. Mix the ingredients together with a spoon until you have a well-combined, homogeneous mixture. -
Form the Baskets:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (static) or 200°C (fan-assisted). Take six silicone muffin cups, each with a 100g capacity, and evenly distribute the potato mixture into each one. Press the mixture gently into the cups, making sure to spread it across the sides to form a basket shape with a hollow center. The shape should resemble a bowl, leaving the middle empty to hold the filling later. Place the silicone cups on a baking tray. -
Bake the Potato Baskets:
Place the tray with the filled silicone cups into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes at 220°C (static) or 10 minutes at 200°C (fan-assisted). The potato baskets should turn golden and crispy on the outside, forming a sturdy shell to hold the filling. -
Prepare the Cheese Filling:
While the potato baskets are baking, you can prepare the cheese filling. Finely chop the mint leaves, setting aside a few for garnishing the finished dish. In a mixing bowl, combine the soft cheese (such as Philadelphia) with a pinch of salt and the chopped mint. Stir well to ensure the mixture is smooth and evenly seasoned. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag for easy filling later. -
Cook the Salmon:
Remove any bones from the fresh salmon fillet using kitchen tweezers. Cut the salmon into strips and then into small cubes, approximately 1 cm in size. Heat 20g of extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the garlic clove, allowing it to infuse the oil with its aroma. Once the garlic has softened, add the salmon cubes and sauté them for 2-3 minutes, or until they develop a light golden crust on the outside. Season the salmon with salt and pepper to taste, then remove the garlic clove from the pan and discard it. -
Assemble the Potato Baskets:
Once the potato baskets are baked to a crispy perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a moment. Carefully remove the silicone cups, ensuring the potato baskets maintain their shape. Pipe the soft cheese and mint mixture into each potato basket, filling them generously. -
Garnish and Serve:
Top each filled basket with the sautéed salmon cubes. You can add a few mint leaves for a fresh, aromatic garnish, giving the dish a vibrant finish. These potato baskets filled with salmon are now ready to serve.
Tips for Success:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of the salmon and mint will elevate the flavors of this dish. Opt for high-quality fresh salmon for the best taste and texture.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the cheese filling. If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can add a little lemon zest or a dash of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Serving Ideas: These potato baskets are great for parties and festive occasions. They pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light aperitif.
These Cestini di Patate Ripieni di Salmone are the perfect appetizer for impressing your guests with minimal effort. The combination of crispy potato baskets with a creamy filling and flavorful salmon creates a bite-sized delight that’s both sophisticated and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a special treat for your family, this dish offers a delicious blend of textures and fresh flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!
