New England Salmon Pie Recipes

FRENCH-CANADIAN SALMON PIE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter or lard until mixture is an even crumbly texture. Add cold water a tablespoon at a time and mix until dough comes together.
• Shape the dough into a disc, wrap, and chill in the refrigerator. While pastry is chilling, prepare filling.
• Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut into chunks and boil in a medium size pot of water until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain, mash the potatoes, and set aside.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, and sauté until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the 1/2-cup of water to the skillet.
• Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper, and place it into the skillet skin side down.
• Spoon liquid and onions over the salmon, cover the skillet, and cook until the salmon is opaque, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the salmon cool slightly.
• Remove the skin and break the salmon into pieces. Add the salmon, onions, and poaching liquid to the mashed potatoes and mix to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• On a lightly floured surface, divide dough in half and form two balls. Flatten one ball with your hands, and roll dough to about 12-inches in diameter, to fit a 9-inch pie pan.
• Place the pastry into the pie plate and add the salmon pie filling. Gently pat the filling down to remove any air spaces.
• Brush around the outer edge of the pastry with the beaten egg. Roll out the top pastry and place on top of the pie filling.
• Fold the top crust under the bottom crust and pinch the edges. Brush with egg wash and cut vent holes.
• Bake the salmon pie in a preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. While the salmon pie is baking, make the dill béchamel sauce.
• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add milk stirring constantly. When sauce begins to thicken, add the lemon juice, dill, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2 minutes. Keep warm until ready to serve.
• Remove the pie from oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Cut into pie wedges, drizzle with the dill sauce if desired, and serve warm.
• Yield: Makes 1 pie, about 8 servings.

SALMON PIE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Season the salmon with salt and white pepper. In a saute pan, add the court bouillon and bring to a simmer. Add the salmon and poach for 6 to 8 minutes. Allow the salmon to cool in the water until tepid. Remove the salmon from the pan and discard the liquid. Flake the salmon into a mixing bowl.
• In another saute pan, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions. Season the onions with salt and white pepper. Saute for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the garlic and dill. Add the sauteed mixture to the salmon. Mix thoroughly. Add the potatoes, egg, and cream. Mix well. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
• Cut the pie dough into 2 halves. Lightly dust the surface with flour. Roll out each half of dough to 12-inches in diameter and about 1/8-inch thick. Fold 1 circle of dough into fourths. Carefully lift the dough and place in a 10-inch deep-dish pie pan. Unfold the pie dough and spoon the salmon mixture into the pie shell. Place the second round of dough over the salmon mixture. Using a sharp knife, cut away the excess dough. Using your fingers, crimp the edges of the pie firmly to seal the dough completely. Bake the pie for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
• Combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Add the lard and work it in with your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, working it in with your hands. Add only as much as you need to make a smooth ball of dough. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.