Smoked Salmon Torta

Smoked Salmon Torta Recipe - A Delicious Blend of Cream Cheese, Butter, Salt, and Dill

Region / culture: Canada, France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Smoked Salmon Torta is a delicious and elegant appetizer that is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a special treat. This creamy and flavorful dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

History

The origins of the Smoked Salmon Torta are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in Italy, where torta means "cake" or "tart." This savory torta is a modern twist on the traditional sweet tortas found in Italian cuisine.

Ingredients

2 packages (8 oz/250 g each) of cream cheese, at room temperature
0.5 cup (125 ml) of butter, at room temperature
salt
2 or 3 sprigs of fresh dill
0.25 cup (50 ml) of chopped fresh dill
0.5 lb (250 g) of sliced smoked salmon
Assorted bread and crackers

How to prepare

In a bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until well combined. Add salt to taste.
Line an 8-by-4 inches (20 by 10 cm) loaf pan with a piece of plastic wrap, making sure it is large enough to extend over the edge of the pan.
Arrange dill sprigs on the bottom of the lined pan.
Carefully spread a third of the cream cheese mixture in the lined pan to create an even layer.
Sprinkle half of the chopped dill over the cream cheese layer, and then top with half of the smoked salmon.
Repeat the layering process, starting with another third of the cream cheese mixture, followed by the remaining chopped dill, and then the remaining smoked salmon.
Finish the layering by spreading the remaining cream cheese mixture on top. Press down lightly to compact the layers.
Cover the pan and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
To serve, pull the edges of the plastic wrap up to loosen the torta. Invert the pan onto a plate and carefully remove the plastic wrap.
Garnish the torta as desired before serving.

Variations

Add capers or chopped red onions for extra flavor.
Substitute dill with chives or parsley for a different herbaceous note.
Use flavored cream cheese, such as garlic or herb, for a twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor.

- Allow the torta to chill in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Garnish the torta with additional fresh dill or lemon zest for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Smoked Salmon Torta with assorted crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks for a delicious and elegant appetizer.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the ingredients in a loaf pan and refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld together and creates a beautiful presentation when inverted onto a plate.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute smoked salmon with smoked trout or gravlax.

- Use Greek yogurt or vegan cream cheese as a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Smoked Salmon Torta can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This make-ahead option makes it perfect for entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Smoked Salmon Torta with additional fresh dill, lemon slices, or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Smoked Salmon Torta with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Smoked Salmon Torta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the torta to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Smoked Salmon Torta contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Smoked Salmon Torta contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Smoked Salmon Torta contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Smoked Salmon Torta contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Smoked Salmon Torta is a good source of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Alergens

Smoked Salmon Torta contains dairy (cream cheese and butter) and fish (smoked salmon) allergens.

Summary

Smoked Salmon Torta is a rich and creamy appetizer that is high in fats and proteins. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, but should be consumed in moderation due to its calorie content.

Summary

Smoked Salmon Torta is a luxurious and flavorful appetizer that is perfect for special occasions or entertaining guests. This creamy and savory dish is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to spend the afternoon rummaging through the old recipe books that lined the shelves of my grandmother's kitchen. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a faded, yellowed piece of paper tucked between the pages of a well-loved cookbook. The title at the top read "Smoked Salmon Torta."

Intrigued, I carefully unfolded the paper and read through the ingredients and instructions. It seemed to be a layered dish, with a creamy salmon filling sandwiched between layers of flaky pastry. The combination of flavors – the smoky salmon, the tangy cream cheese, the delicate herbs – sounded absolutely divine.

I knew I had to make it.

I asked my grandmother about the recipe, but she simply shrugged and said she couldn't remember where she had gotten it from. It was just one of those recipes that had been passed down through the generations, she said, and had become a staple at family gatherings and special occasions.

Undeterred, I set out to make the Smoked Salmon Torta myself. I gathered all the necessary ingredients – smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, lemon juice, puff pastry – and set to work in the kitchen.

As I rolled out the puff pastry and carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the top, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to the past. I imagined my ancestors in their own kitchens, preparing this dish with love and care, passing down the recipe from mother to daughter.

Finally, after hours of baking and waiting, the Smoked Salmon Torta was ready. I sliced into it, revealing the layers of creamy filling and flaky pastry. The first bite was like a revelation – the flavors melded together perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet.

I brought the dish to a family gathering that evening, and it was a hit. Everyone raved about the Smoked Salmon Torta, asking for the recipe and going back for seconds and thirds. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had recreated a beloved family recipe, and had done justice to the tradition that had been passed down to me.

Since that day, the Smoked Salmon Torta has become a regular feature at family gatherings and special occasions. It's a dish that never fails to impress, and always brings back memories of that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe in my grandmother's kitchen.

As I sit here now, writing this story and thinking back on that day, I realize how important it is to cherish and preserve our family recipes. They are more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – they are a link to our past, a connection to our ancestors, and a way to keep our traditions alive for generations to come.

So the next time you come across a recipe that strikes your fancy, don't hesitate to give it a try. You never know what culinary delights and family memories you might uncover along the way.