| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 20g | 4g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 14g | 2g | 26g | 0.4g |
Why I Love Finnish Salmon with Blackcurrant Sauce
It’s not often that I venture outside of my French and Creole roots, but when I discovered the Finnish recipe for Salmon with Blackcurrant Sauce, I was intrigued. Fish is a staple of both Louisiana and Finnish cuisine, but combining it with the rich, sweet and sour notes of blackcurrants was something entirely new to me. This delightful fusion of Nordic simplicity and bold flavors immediately won me over. And I am thrilled to bring it to you today for a taste of what your dinners could be like.
Why Finnish You May Ask?
This isn’t the type of dish I grew up eating in Louisiana, nor is it a classic French dish inspired by my ancestry. However, it’s a recipe I stumbled upon while exploring the culinary world of famous Finnish chef, Mikael Björklund. Mikael has a reputation for his unique approach to Nordic cuisine, making the most of local, fresh, and in-season items. The simplicity of his Salmon with Blackcurrant Sauce caught my eye, and I knew I had to make it myself. The outcome? An elegant, flavorful fish dish that is now a constant in my recipe rotation.
Dishes that Go Harmoniously alongside
This dish celebrates the finest that Finnish cuisine has to offer. So, if you’d like to immerse yourself deeply into the Finnish culinary culture, pair this stunning salmon main with dishes like Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies) or Rosolli, the traditional Finnish beetroot salad. For a more international platter, try this salmon with simple roasted vegetables, quinoa, or even a creamy risotto. The robust flavor of the blackcurrant sauce would complement these sides beautifully.
A Dish Worth Trying
If you’ve never tried Finnish cuisine before, this Salmon with Blackcurrant Sauce is definitely the recipe to start with. The succulent fillet of salmon perfectly seared in olive oil, generously seasoned with salt and pepper, and finally glazed with a velvety blackcurrant sauce made of wine, sugar, and lemon, is mouthwatering and sensational. I believe that every foodie should broaden their culinary horizons, and this dish is a delightful introduction into an underrated cuisine.
In the end, it’s the celebration of flavor, diversity, and the unexpected twists and turns that cooking can take us on which make us fall in love with the culinary arts over and over again. If we keep an open mind, who knows where the next favorite recipe might come from?
What You’ll Need
- 6 pieces of salmon fillet (6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup of blackcurrants (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup of red wine
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of cold water
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While waiting for the oven to warm up, take your salmon fillets and season them with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step Two
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil when it’s hot. Add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin side down. Cook the salmon for about 3-4 minutes until the skin becomes crispy.
Step Three
Once the skin is crisp, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Then remove from the oven and set aside.
Step Four
While the salmon is baking, make the blackcurrant sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the blackcurrants, red wine, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blackcurrants burst and release their juices.
Step Five
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the blackcurrant sauce, and continue to cook until the sauce thickens up.
Step Six
Pour the blackcurrant sauce over the baked salmon fillets before serving. This can be served with steamed vegetables or rice as desired for a full meal.
Enjoy your Salmon with Blackcurrant Sauce!
