Flaky Salmon Filet in Puff Pastry with Zucchini and Mediterranean Flavors
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff Pastry | 230g |
| Salmon Fillet | 450g |
| Zucchini | 300g |
| Sun-dried Tomatoes (in oil) | 200g |
| Taggiasca Olives | 35g |
| Capers (fruits) | 15g |
| Sliced Almonds | 20g |
| Fresh Mint | 6 leaves |
| Thyme | 3 sprigs |
| Salt (fine) | To taste |
| White Pepper | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
| Egg Yolk | 1 |
| Heavy Cream | 1 tablespoon |
| Greek Yogurt | 250g |
| Lemon Zest | 1 |
| Lemon Juice | 10g |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Begin by thoroughly washing and drying the zucchinis. Trim the ends, then cut them into thin slices. Place the slices in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss gently to coat each piece. Heat a grill pan or regular pan over medium heat and grill the zucchini slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly charred and tender. Avoid moving them around while cooking to maintain those beautiful grill marks. Once done, set them aside to cool.
2. Toast the Almonds:
In a separate pan, toast the sliced almonds over medium heat for a few minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Set them aside as well to prevent further browning.
3. Prepare the Mediterranean Herb and Olive Mixture:
Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes, pitted Taggiasca olives, and capers (cucunci). Combine all these ingredients in a small bowl. Add in the chopped fresh mint and thyme leaves, then stir to combine. Set the bowl aside.
4. Prepare the Salmon:
Now it’s time to prepare the salmon fillets. Carefully remove any bones using tweezers if necessary. Using a sharp knife, carefully separate the flesh from the skin to create two clean fillets. Season the fillets with freshly ground white pepper and salt. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Gently massage the seasoning into the salmon for better flavor penetration.
5. Assemble the Puff Pastry:
Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Position the pastry so that its longer side is vertically aligned. Arrange the grilled zucchini slices horizontally across the pastry, making sure to cover about 30 cm of the pastry’s length. Once the zucchini is in place, spread the Mediterranean herb and olive mixture over the zucchini slices. Next, sprinkle the toasted almond slices over the top. Finally, place the seasoned salmon fillets on top, ensuring that the thinner parts of the fillets are overlapped to create a uniform shape.
6. Fold the Pastry:
Carefully fold the pastry over the filling. Start by folding one edge of the pastry over the salmon and zucchini, then fold the other side to enclose the filling. Tuck in the ends of the pastry like wrapping a candy to seal it tightly. For a decorative touch, use a sharp knife to gently score the top of the pastry diagonally on both sides.
7. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and heavy cream. Brush the egg wash over the top of the pastry to give it a beautiful golden finish once baked.
8. Bake the Salmon in Puff Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and place the pastry on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes, then increase the temperature to 240°C (464°F) for an additional 4-5 minutes to achieve a crisp, golden-brown crust.
9. Prepare the Lemon Yogurt Sauce:
While the salmon is baking, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with a pinch of white pepper and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
10. Serve:
Once the salmon is cooked and the pastry is golden, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the puff pastry parcel into generous portions and serve on a plate alongside the tangy lemon yogurt sauce.
Enjoy your flaky, flavorful Salmon Fillet in Puff Pastry with a side of creamy lemon yogurt sauce that balances the rich salmon with fresh Mediterranean ingredients. This dish makes an impressive meal for family gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy dinner at home!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
This dish provides a delightful balance of protein from the salmon and healthy fats from the almonds and olive oil, making it both satisfying and flavorful. The puff pastry adds a crunchy texture, while the lemon yogurt sauce offers a refreshing contrast.
