Spinach Salmon Roast with Feta and Ricotta

Spinach Salmon Roast with Feta and Ricotta Recipe

| Servings: 4

Introduction

This Spinach Salmon Roast with Feta and Ricotta recipe is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests. The combination of tender salmon, creamy ricotta, tangy feta, and fresh spinach creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional stuffed salmon dishes. Stuffed salmon has been a popular dish for centuries, with various cultures adding their own unique ingredients and flavors. This particular recipe combines Mediterranean flavors with a healthy dose of greens, making it a nutritious and delicious option for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 salmon fillet, approximately 2 lb (907 g), center cut with skin removed
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
white pepper, to taste
salt, to taste
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 cup packed baby spinach leaves, divided
Extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh dill and fresh oregano for garnish

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
Slice the salmon through the center almost to the other end so that the salmon lays open flat in one large piece.
Turn the salmon over so that the gray underside is facing up.
Set it aside.
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and feta, mashing and stirring with a fork until well blended.
Season to taste with white pepper and salt.
Spread the mustard over the salmon fillet.
Place 0.5 cup of spinach over the mustard.
Evenly spread the cheese mixture on top of the spinach.
Top it with the remaining spinach leaves.
Gently roll the salmon up and secure it with cooking twine.
Place the salmon in a baking dish coated with olive oil.
Brush the top and sides of the fish with olive oil.
Sprinkle additional salt and black pepper, to taste, over the fish.
Top it with fresh dill and fresh oregano as a garnish.
Bake it at 450°F (232°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through.
To serve, slice it carefully with a sharp, serrated knife.

Variations

For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the ricotta and feta cheeses with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew or almond cheese.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the salmon before serving for a bright and citrusy flavor.
Mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the cheese mixture for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the skin from the salmon fillet before preparing the dish, as it can become tough and chewy when cooked.

- Use fresh spinach leaves for the best flavor and texture. Frozen spinach can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always preferable.

- Be sure to secure the rolled salmon with cooking twine to prevent it from falling apart during cooking.

- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Salmon Roast with Feta and Ricotta pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts. It can also be served with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light and refreshing accompaniment.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this Spinach Salmon Roast with Feta and Ricotta is to roll the salmon tightly and secure it with cooking twine to prevent it from falling apart during cooking. Baking the salmon at a high temperature ensures that it cooks quickly and evenly, while still remaining tender and moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ricotta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture. You can also use goat cheese or blue cheese in place of the feta for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply roll the salmon, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for entertaining, as you can have it ready to go and simply pop it in the oven when your guests arrive.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dish even more visually appealing, garnish the top of the salmon with fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, before serving. You can also drizzle a balsamic glaze or reduction over the top for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

This Spinach Salmon Roast with Feta and Ricotta pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a sparkling water infused with fresh lemon or cucumber slices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the salmon in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Spinach Salmon Roast with Feta and Ricotta contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a satisfying and nutritious meal option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

Carbohydrates

This recipe is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Each serving contains approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The salmon in this recipe is a great source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. The ricotta and feta cheeses also contribute to the fat content of the dish. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Salmon is a rich source of protein, with each serving of this dish containing approximately 40 grams of protein. The ricotta and feta cheeses also add to the protein content of the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, and iron. The spinach provides a healthy dose of vitamin K, while the salmon is a great source of vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (ricotta and feta cheeses) and fish (salmon), which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this Spinach Salmon Roast with Feta and Ricotta is a nutritious and delicious meal option that is high in protein and healthy fats, while being low in carbohydrates. It is a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet while still enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Summary

This Spinach Salmon Roast with Feta and Ricotta is a flavorful and elegant dish that is perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests. With a combination of tender salmon, creamy ricotta, tangy feta, and fresh spinach, this dish is sure to impress. Whether you're looking for a healthy and delicious meal option or a show-stopping main course, this recipe is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly in the sky as I sat in my grandmother's kitchen. She was a master in the art of cooking, her dishes always bursting with flavor and love. On this particular day, she was preparing a special dish for dinner - Spinach Salmon Roast with Feta and Ricotta.

As I watched her expertly fillet the fresh salmon, I couldn't help but ask her where she had learned to make such a delicious dish. She smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with memories of the past.

"My dear," she began, "this recipe is one that has been passed down through generations in our family. It originated from a distant relative who lived in a small village by the sea."

Intrigued, I urged her to tell me more. She nodded, her hands moving with practiced ease as she continued to prepare the dish.

"It all started many years ago," she said, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "I was just a young girl at the time, eager to learn the secrets of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a formidable woman, known throughout the village for her culinary skills."

My grandmother paused, a smile playing on her lips as she remembered her grandmother's teachings.

"She taught me everything I know about cooking," she said. "And it was during one summer visit to her home that I first learned how to make the Spinach Salmon Roast with Feta and Ricotta."

I listened intently as she recounted the story of how her grandmother had shared the recipe with her. It was a simple yet elegant dish, combining the richness of the salmon with the creamy textures of the feta and ricotta cheese. The spinach added a touch of earthiness to the dish, balancing out the flavors perfectly.

As my grandmother finished preparing the dish, she placed it in the oven to roast. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a tantalizing blend of herbs and spices that made my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, the dish was ready. My grandmother plated the Spinach Salmon Roast with Feta and Ricotta, the vibrant colors of the ingredients creating a beautiful presentation. As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite and was instantly transported back to that summer day in my grandmother's kitchen.

The flavors were exquisite, each ingredient complementing the others in perfect harmony. I could taste the love and tradition that had been passed down through generations, making this dish more than just a meal - it was a connection to my family's past.

As I savored each bite, I felt grateful to have learned this recipe from my grandmother. It was a treasure that I would carry with me for the rest of my life, a reminder of the love and history that surrounded me every time I stepped into the kitchen.

And so, whenever I prepare the Spinach Salmon Roast with Feta and Ricotta, I am reminded of that special day with my grandmother. It is a recipe that holds a place of honor in my heart, a symbol of the bonds that tie us together through food and stories shared across generations.