18 Apr 2025
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1.50 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1/2 cup butter
1 dash salt
1 yolk
1 tbsp water
1 tbsp dill
8 oz salmon
Salmon, herb, and creme fraîche tarts are a delightful and elegant appetizer or main course that combines the rich, savory flavor of salmon with the fresh, aromatic notes of dill. This recipe features a homemade tart crust that's both tender and flaky, complemented by a creamy filling. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, these tarts are as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the chilled, cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub or cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Mix until the dough just comes together. If the dough seems too dry, you can add an additional teaspoon of water.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles slightly larger than the tart or muffin tin cavities you’re using.
4. Form the Tart Shells:
- Gently press the dough circles into the greased tart or muffin tin cavities, ensuring they fit snugly.
- Poke the base of the tart shells with a fork to prevent puffing up during baking.
5. Bake the Tart Shells:
- Place a piece of parchment paper into each tart shell and fill with baking beans or rice to blind bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tart shells are lightly golden.
6. Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, crème fraîche, chopped dill, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
7. Fill the Tart Shells:
- Spoon the salmon filling into the baked tart shells, filling them generously.
8. Bake the Filled Tarts:
- Return the filled tarts to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and slightly set.
9. Serve:
- Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool slightly in the tin.
- Carefully remove the tarts from the tin and transfer to a serving plate.
10. Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish the tarts with a few sprigs of fresh dill or a light drizzle of lemon juice before serving.
Tips:
- Ensure the butter is cold when making the crust to achieve a flaky texture.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Opt for fresh dill for the best flavor and aroma.
- Pre-bake the tart shells to avoid a soggy crust.
- Check the salmon for bones before adding it to the tarts.
- Do not overbake the tarts; remove them from the oven when the crust is golden and the filling is set but still a bit jiggly in the center.
These salmon, herb, and creme fraîche tarts are a sophisticated yet straightforward dish that can elevate any meal. With a buttery crust, savory salmon, and refreshing herbs, each bite offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.