Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Sandiwches with Horseradish Butter

Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with Horseradish Butter Recipe from England

Region / culture: England | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Sandiwches with Horseradish Butter

Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with Horseradish Butter is a delightful and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or afternoon tea. The combination of creamy horseradish butter, savory smoked salmon, and crisp cucumber creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic tea sandwich, which has been a popular choice for elegant gatherings and afternoon tea parties for centuries. The use of smoked salmon and horseradish butter adds a contemporary flair to this traditional dish, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts and home cooks alike.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of lightly salted butter at room temperature
1 tbsp of white prepared horseradish
1 tsp of chopped fresh chives
1 tsp of chopped fresh dill
0.5 tsp of salt
8 squares of pumpernickel or wheat bread
0.5 medium english cucumber, sliced thin
4 oz (113 g) of sliced smoked salmon

How to prepare

Combine 0.5 cup (113 g) of butter, 2 tbsp of horseradish, 1 tbsp of chives, 1 tbsp of dill, and 0.25 tsp of salt in a mixing bowl and mix well.
Spread each piece of bread with 1 tbsp of the butter mixture.
Place 1 oz (28 g) of sliced salmon on four of the bread slices.
Top with thinly sliced cucumber and another piece of bread.
Press firmly and cut off crust around sandwiches.
Cut each whole sandwich into four squares or triangles, or use a round, crescent, or star cutter if desired.
Keep tightly wrapped until serving.

Variations

Substitute the smoked salmon with grilled chicken or turkey for a different flavor profile.
Add a layer of cream cheese or avocado for extra creaminess.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free bread for a healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use thinly sliced cucumber to ensure that the sandwiches are easy to eat and have a delicate crunch.

- Be generous with the horseradish butter to add a bold and zesty flavor to the sandwiches.

- For a more visually appealing presentation, use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes out of the sandwiches.

- Serve the sandwiches immediately after assembling to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sandwiches with a side of fresh fruit or a mixed green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

To make the horseradish butter, simply mix the butter, horseradish, chives, dill, and salt together until well combined.

- Assemble the sandwiches by spreading the horseradish butter on the bread, layering the smoked salmon and cucumber, and cutting into desired shapes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular butter instead of salted butter if desired.

- Substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh ones are not available.

- Use regular bread or gluten-free bread instead of white bread.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the horseradish butter in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- Assemble the sandwiches a few hours before serving and keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sandwiches on a decorative platter or tiered stand for a visually appealing presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve these sandwiches with a cup of hot tea or a glass of sparkling water for a refreshing and light meal.

- Pair with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a more indulgent treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, place the sandwiches in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with Horseradish Butter contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with Horseradish Butter contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with Horseradish Butter contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with Horseradish Butter contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and fish (smoked salmon) allergens.

Summary

Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with Horseradish Butter is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a light meal or snack.

Summary

Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with Horseradish Butter is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a light lunch or afternoon tea. With its refreshing flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire of go-to dishes.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a dreary afternoon, the rain tapping against the windows as I flipped through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with Horseradish Butter caught my eye.

I had always been a fan of smoked salmon, its delicate flavor and rich texture always a delight to my taste buds. And the idea of pairing it with cool, crisp cucumbers and zesty horseradish butter sounded like a match made in culinary heaven. I knew I had to give it a try.

I gathered the ingredients I needed from my pantry and set to work in the kitchen. The scent of freshly grated horseradish filled the air as I mixed it with creamy butter, the sharp aroma tickling my nose in the most delightful way. I carefully sliced the cucumbers into thin, even rounds, their vibrant green skin gleaming in the soft light of the kitchen.

Next, I spread a generous layer of the horseradish butter onto slices of hearty whole grain bread, the creamy mixture melting into the nooks and crannies of the bread. I then layered the bread with slices of velvety smoked salmon, the rich pink flesh glistening in the dim light. I topped the salmon with the crisp cucumber rounds, their cool, refreshing flavor a perfect contrast to the salty salmon.

I took a bite of the sandwich and closed my eyes, savoring the multitude of flavors dancing on my tongue. The smoky richness of the salmon, the tangy bite of the horseradish butter, and the crisp freshness of the cucumber all melded together in perfect harmony. I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

As I continued to make the sandwiches, I thought back to all the recipes I had learned over the years. Some had been passed down through generations, like my grandmother's famous apple pie or my mother's hearty beef stew. Others I had discovered on my own, through cookbooks, cooking shows, or simply experimenting in the kitchen.

But no matter where the recipes had come from, each one held a special place in my heart. They were more than just instructions for creating a meal; they were memories of shared moments with loved ones, of laughter and conversation around the dinner table, of comfort and joy found in a simple plate of food.

And as I finished assembling the last of the sandwiches, I knew that this recipe would be no different. It would be one that I would pass down to my own grandchildren someday, along with all the stories and memories that went along with it.

So as I sat down to enjoy my cucumber and smoked salmon sandwiches with horseradish butter, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. In that moment, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of my kitchen, I knew that I had found not just a delicious recipe, but a treasure that would be cherished for generations to come.