Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
485 | 25g | 7g | 34g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
3g | 4g | 34g | 1.2g |
Why I Love British Salmon and Spinach Pie
As someone who thrives on creative fusion in the kitchen, cooking up the British classic Salmon and Spinach Pie has been an absolute joy for me, even as an advocate of Afro-Southern cuisine. Baking the perfect harmony between the savory salmon, the freshness of spinach, and that golden puff pastry’s satisfying crunch requires a mix of precision and passion – something that has always resonated with me.
A Flavor Journey Close to Home
The diversity in the ingredients used in this recipe is something I will always hold dear. It reminds me of how I, a Georgia peach with Nigerian roots, could come with such a diverse culinary palate. The succulence of the salmon, the health-boosting spinach, the dense creaminess brought by the cream and eggs, and the roll of ready-made puff pastry used in this recipe are as varied as the cultural elements sculpting my culinary preferences.
Cross-Cultural Culinary Delight
While not explicitly Afro-Southern, constructing this pie allows me to fuse the West African flavors I so deeply cherish with a classic British dish. When I bite into the Salmon and Spinach Pie, I’m transported to [the British Isles](https://www.britannica.com/place/British-Isles), reminded of the vibrance of European cooking, similar to the masterful French Quiche Lorraine or the Italian Torta Pasqualina. Each bite brings back nostalgic flavors of my trips to the United Kingdom, supplemented with the warm hospitality, which mirrors the Southern ethos I grew up imbued with.
The brilliant chefs’ creativity I’ve witnessed on these travels, like [Jamie Oliver](https://www.jamieoliver.com/), whose accessible approach to British cuisine has been an influence, nudged me to bring this recipe to my kitchen. It complements wonderfully with a crisp side salad or as a standalone dish accompanying a glass of crisp, white wine.
No matter where you’re from or what tastes you prefer, this Salmon and Spinach Pie’s culinary allure is undeniable. Its comforting depth of flavors could be just what you need for that special family dinner or a weeknight treat to warm up the home. The diversity of ingredients and cultural influences encapsulated in this recipe is a delightful reflection of our ever-evolving global food landscape, and I can’t wait for you to share in this culinary journey.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillets
- 2 pounds fresh spinach
- 1 cup cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 roll ready-made puff pastry
- 1 egg beaten with a splash of milk (for glaze)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent.
Step Two
Next, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook it until it wilts down, this usually takes around 4 to 5 minutes. Once the spinach is cooked, let it cool for a while then squeeze out any excess liquid.
Step Three
Take your skinless salmon fillets and season them with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. You can also add other seasonings if you like. Place the salmon in a baking dish and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s cooked through.
Step Four
While the salmon is baking, you can start on your cream mixture. In a bowl, whisk together the cup of cream and three large eggs until they’re well combined. Add the chopped dill and some salt and pepper for extra seasoning.
Step Five
Once the salmon is cooked, flake it into small pieces with a fork. Mix the salmon, sautéed spinach, and the cream mixture together in a large bowl until everything is well combined.
Step Six
Now, roll out your puff pastry to fit your pie dish. Pour the salmon mixture into the pie dish and cover it with the puff pastry. Brush the top of the pastry with the egg and milk glaze to help it achieve a golden brown color.
Step Seven
Bake your salmon and spinach pie in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set. Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before cutting into it. Enjoy!