| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 415 | 24g | 9g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 31g | 1.87g |
As a Texas native, I’ve always enjoyed pairing traditional Southern cooking with innovative, globally-inspired spins. A perfect example of this is the Vegetable Arepas, which is strikingly similar to this recipe for a Leek and Salmon Filo Parcel, a dish I absolutely adore! Just the thought of the tender salmon fillets wrapped in flaky filo pastry, complemented with the subtle sweetness of leeks, sends a wave of nostalgia through me. There’s nothing like it.
What I love about cooking is manifest in crafting this flavorful masterpiece. The Leek and Salmon Filo Parcel is a harmonious blend of top-notch ingredients that not only satisfy our taste buds but also confer fantastic health benefits.
Fusion of Flavors
I truly enjoy the fusion of leeks, salmon, fresh garlic, and lemon zest portrayed effortlessly falvors in this dish. The vegetal crunch from the leeks and the savory succulence from the salmon creates an exciting burst of flavors, only to be made better by the golden, flaky sheets of filo. The recipe’s leeks and salmon are well-loaded with vitamins, minerals, and Omega-3 fatty acids ideal for heart health, boosting the body’s immune system, and fostering mental well-being.
All About Balance
Besides the fusion of flavors, this dish embodies a balance of diet; it’s light yet filling. A meticulous mix of protein-rich salmon, fiber-loaded leeks, and the carb offered by the filo pastry; it’s a perfect meal for those keeping watch on their dietary intake. A touch of the fresh dill, olive oil, and the zingy lemon adds to its richness without overwhelming the palate.
Sometimes, accompanying the Leek and Salmon Filo Parcel with a light, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc enhances the meal’s overall profile. This pairing underscores the refreshing zesty lemon and garlic featured in the parcel. Besides, it can also be served alongside a garden-fresh salad, creating an entirely delightful meal to share with loved ones.
This beloved recipe, besides being a personal favorite, is likewise a testament to my continuous exploration of world cuisines while staying rooted in my Tex-Mex culinary tradition. In essence, food isn’t merely fuel; it’s a language, a tradition, and an art. And in the art of food, my dearest friend, passion is the secret ingredient!
What You’ll Need
- 6 large leeks
- 24 ounces of fresh salmon fillets
- 6 sheets of filo pastry
- ½ cup of butter (melted)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 tablespoons of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the leeks and garlic, season with salt and pepper and cook until the leeks are soft, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step Two
While the leeks are cooling, prepare your salmon fillets by seasoning them with salt, pepper, and the lemon zest. Place the salmon fillets on a clean work surface.
Step Three
Lay out a sheet of filo pastry onto your work surface and brush it with the melted butter. Add another layer of filo on top and brush again with butter. Repeat this until you have 3 layers of filo.
Step Four
Spoon a portion of the leek mixture onto the middle of the filo pastry. Place one of the salmon fillets on top of the leek mixture, then sprinkle with some chopped dill and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Step Five
Fold the filo pastry over the salmon and leek filling, creating a parcel. Brush the top with more melted butter. Repeat this process with the remaining filo sheets, leek mixture, and salmon fillets.
Step Six
Place the filo parcels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the filo is golden and crispy and the salmon is cooked through.
Step Seven
Allow them to cool slightly before serving, then enjoy your tasty leek and salmon filo parcels!
