Imagine cutting through layers of crispy, golden filo pastry to reveal a perfectly cooked salmon fillet nestled with creamy spinach and cheese - a culinary masterpiece that looks like it's straight from a Parisian restaurant, but can be effortlessly created in your own kitchen. This elegant French-inspired dish transforms a simple salmon fillet into a stunning meal that will make your dinner guests believe you've trained in professional culinary arts.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 4 sheets of filo pastry
- 1 cup spinach, cooked
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to create a crispy, golden-brown filo pastry.
- Prepare your ingredients by cooking the spinach in a pan over medium heat until wilted. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach to prevent the filling from becoming soggy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach and cream cheese. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Lay one sheet of filo pastry on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter or oil. Place another sheet of filo on top and brush it again with butter. Repeat this process for a total of four sheets, layering them on top of each other.
- Place one salmon fillet in the center of the layered filo pastry. Spoon a generous amount of the spinach and cream cheese mixture over the salmon fillet.
- Fold the edges of the filo pastry over the salmon and filling, creating a neat parcel. Ensure that the salmon is completely enclosed by the pastry. Brush the top of the parcel with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Repeat the process for the second salmon fillet and remaining filo pastry.
- Place both parcels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filo pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the parcels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly.
- Serve the salmon fillet in filo pastry warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious French-inspired dish!
Tips
- Always ensure your spinach is well-drained to prevent soggy pastry. Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out excess moisture.
- Work quickly with filo pastry, as it can dry out fast. Keep unused sheets covered with a damp cloth.
- Brush each filo layer lightly with butter or oil to create those beautiful, crispy layers.
- For an extra flavor boost, add fresh herbs like dill or chives to your cream cheese mixture.
- Use a sharp knife to create clean edges when folding your pastry parcels.
- Let the parcels rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and prevent burning your mouth.
- For a professional presentation, garnish with fresh microgreens or a lemon wedge before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 410kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 31g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 180mg
