| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 500 | 22g | 11g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 7g | 30g | 1.5g |
I am absolutely smitten with this Smoked Salmon and Celtuce Pasta recipe, and I have a feeling you would be, too. As a culinary enthusiast deeply inspired by the elements of this great outdoors, nothing quite embodies that spirit like this pasta entrée. It masterfully captures the spirit of a morning spent fishing on a serene mountain lake, echoing in the recipe’s key protein; smoked salmon.
The Wonderful World of Celtuce
And let’s not overlook one of the stars of this beautiful pasta dish: celtuce. This versatile vegetable also known as Chinese Lettuce, is a true game-changer in the realm of hearty and flavorful vegetables. Its unique, slightly nutty taste and succulent texture not only pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, but it also delivers significant health benefits. Rich in Vitamin C and dietary fiber, celtuce can help boost your immunity, aid in digestion, help with weight loss and contribute to heart health. Talk about a guilt-free indulgence!
The Harmony of Flavors
What makes this recipe truly shine is its sublime harmony of flavors. The smokiness of the salmon coalesces delectably with the vibrant zest and juice of lemon, creating a refreshing symphony of flavors on your tongue. The addition of the minced garlic and fresh dill, introduced an earthiness, grounding the dish and wrapping your taste buds in a warm, culinary embrace. The touch of heavy cream and grated Parmesan, add a decadence that elevates the Smoked Salmon and Celtuce Pasta into something truly special.
Its flavor profile makes it a perfect pairing with a light, crisp white wine like a Vermentino or a Albarino . The tanginess of the smoked salmon and creamy sauce would be beautifully amplified with a wine that dances on the more acidic end of the spectrum.
In terms of dishes, this pasta dish resembles the beloved Pasta With Smoked Salmon and Capers, but the introduction of the celtuce gives our recipe a unique twist, setting it apart from the classics. It could also be served alongside a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete your meal.
From its unique flavors, health benefits, to the joy it can bring to a dinner table on a chilly evening, I can’t help but adore this Smoked Salmon and Celtuce Pasta recipe. Give it a try and let it bring a taste of the great outdoors to your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 12 oz smoked salmon
- 1 lb celtuce (Chinese lettuce)
- 16 oz pasta of your choice
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Method
Step One
Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook until al dente as per the package instructions. When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and set it aside for later use, then drain the pasta and set it aside too.
Step Two
Whilst the pasta is cooking, prepare the celtuce. Trim off the ends, peel off the hard outer skin, and slice it into thin pieces. Set these aside.
Step Three
Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and starts to lightly bubble, add the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until it becomes fragrant.
Step Four
Add in the sliced celtuce and sauté it until it starts to soften. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step Five
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Allow this to simmer until the Parmesan cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step Six
Stir in the smoked salmon, pasta, and half of the chopped dill. Mix them well to ensure the pasta and salmon are well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with the reserved pasta water.
Step Seven
Finally, take the pasta off the heat. Sprinkle it with the lemon zest, squeeze over the lemon juice, and sprinkle over the remaining fresh dill. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve your Smoked Salmon and Celtuce Pasta hot and enjoy!
