This year, our Christmas Guide 2024 is here to make your holiday meals unforgettable, and we’re serving up a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious: Salmon Coulibiac with Herby Horseradish Cream. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a festive soirée, this golden, flaky pastry-wrapped salmon dish will have your guests raving.
And don’t worry, Morgan Hill folks—while it may look like something straight out of a five-star restaurant, it’s totally doable in your home kitchen. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and how you can pull it off like a pro.
What Is Salmon Coulibiac?
Think of Salmon Coulibiac as the lovechild of Russian tradition and French culinary finesse. It’s a salmon Wellington—a layered masterpiece featuring buttery puff pastry stuffed with silky salmon, herbed rice, wine-soaked mushrooms, and spinach.
The whole thing is baked until golden and served with a tangy, herby horseradish cream that ties all the flavors together. While it sounds fancy (and it is), the secret lies in using store-bought puff pastry to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Why It’s Perfect for the Holidays
Morgan Hill folks know the holidays are about gathering around great food. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a centerpiece. The golden crust, fresh herbs, and vibrant layers make it visually stunning, while the rich flavors scream “special occasion.” Plus, most components can be prepped in advance, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen while everyone else sips wine by the fire.
The Recipe Breakdown
Level: Intermediate
Total Time: 3 hr 30 min (includes chilling and cooling times)
Active Time: 1 hr 30 min
Yield: 8 to 12 servings
Here’s how to make this holiday showstopper step by step:
1. The Rice Layer
Start by cooking jasmine rice with shallots, garlic, and thyme for an aromatic base. Once cooked, mix in spinach, fresh dill, parsley, lemon zest, and juice for a herby punch. Pro tip: Spread the rice on a baking sheet to cool faster—it’ll save you time.
2. The Mushroom Magic
Sauté an assortment of mushrooms (think cremini, shiitake, or oyster) with shallots, garlic, thyme, and white wine until they’re deeply browned and flavorful. This layer adds an earthy richness that balances the lightness of the salmon.
3. Herby Horseradish Cream
Whisk together sour cream, mayo, capers (and their brine), prepared horseradish, parsley, tarragon, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. This creamy sauce is tangy, with just enough heat to complement the buttery salmon and pastry.
4. Assembling the Masterpiece
- Roll out puff pastry into sheets large enough to wrap your salmon.
- Lay down the rice layer first on one sheet of pastry.
- Place your salmon filet on top (tuck under any thin edges for even cooking).
- Spread a mustard-butter-herb mixture over the salmon.
- Add the mushroom layer on top of the fish.
- Cover everything with another sheet of puff pastry decorated with dill fronds pressed into the dough for an extra festive touch.
- Seal the edges tightly with egg wash and crimp them with a fork for a polished look.
5. Bake to Perfection
Your assembled coulibiac should be baked at 400°F until the pastry is golden brown, about 45–50 minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure clean layers.
Why Morgan Hill Will Love This Dish
Morgan Hill is known for its love of fresh ingredients and community-centric celebrations. This dish fits right in—it’s packed with vibrant herbs and vegetables that reflect California’s bounty while being sophisticated enough for any holiday table. Pair it with local wines from nearby vineyards for an extra touch of regional pride.
Tips for Success
- Prep Ahead: You can make the rice and mushroom layers up to two days in advance to save time on cooking day.
- Don’t Skimp on Herbs: Fresh dill and tarragon are key players here—don’t substitute dried ones unless absolutely necessary.
- Presentation Matters: Use those dill fronds to decorate your pastry—it’s an easy way to wow your guests without extra effort.
So there you have it! Salmon Coulibiac with Herby horseradish Cream is more than just food—it’s an experience that brings people together around something truly special. Give this recipe a try this holiday season, and watch as your guests marvel at your culinary skills (and maybe ask for seconds). Happy holidays from Morgan Hill!
Source: foodnetwork.com
Header Image Source: foodnetwork.com
