This delicious Salmon Pie combines tender salmon, creamy sauce, and flaky puff pastry for a comforting and flavorful dish. Packed with fresh herbs, leeks, and peas, it's perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive gathering.
Imagine slicing through a golden, crispy puff pastry crust to reveal a steaming, fragrant filling of succulent salmon nestled in a velvety, creamy sauce. This Salmon Pie is a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. The tender, flaky salmon melts in your mouth, perfectly complemented by the sweet, delicate notes of sautéed leeks and the subtle sharpness of onions. Each bite is a luxurious blend of creamy richness, with the sauce wrapping around pops of sweet green peas and bursts of fresh dill and parsley that add a vibrant, herbaceous lift. For those who love a hint of adventure, a pinch of red pepper flakes weaves in a gentle, warming spice that teases the palate without overwhelming it.
The contrast of textures is pure magic: the buttery, shatteringly crisp puff pastry gives way to a silky, luscious filling that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful. This dish is comfort food with a sophisticated edge-cozy enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to steal the show at a dinner party. It's the kind of meal that lingers in your memory, leaving you craving just one more bite.
How Easy Is It to Make?
Incredibly easy! This Salmon Pie is a dream for anyone who wants to serve something spectacular without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple, everyday ingredients you can find at any grocery store, the process is as straightforward as it gets. You'll sauté leeks, onions, and peas, whip up a quick creamy sauce with milk and cream, toss in chunks of salmon and fresh herbs, and top it all with a sheet of puff pastry. The stovetop work takes about 20 minutes, and then the oven does the rest, filling your home with irresistible aromas. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is so clear and foolproof that you'll feel like a culinary star when you pull that golden, puffed-up pie from the oven.
Why You'll Want to Make It
This Salmon Pie isn't just food—it's an experience! It's the perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special without any fuss. The minimal effort yields a dish that looks and tastes like you've poured your heart into it. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or with a chilled glass of white wine, and watch your guests' eyes light up with every bite. This pie is a celebration of flavor-creamy, savory, and just a
little indulgent-promising to leave everyone at the table swooning and asking for seconds. One taste, and you'll be hooked on this heavenly,
melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece!
Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and position a rack in the middle to ensure even baking. This will help the puff pastry cook to golden perfection without burning.
Prepare the Filling In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Once melted, add the sliced leek and finely chopped onion. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the oil and butter mixture. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leeks and onions are soft and translucent.
Thicken the Base Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir thoroughly to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently, to remove the raw flour taste. This will help create a smooth, thickened sauce.
Add the Peas Stir in the peas (fresh or frozen) and cook for 2 minutes to soften slightly. The peas add a pop of sweetness and texture to the pie.
Create the Creamy Sauce Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring well to combine. (You can mix the cream and milk together beforehand for easier incorporation.) Continue stirring gently until the mixture begins to bubble slightly, indicating the sauce is starting to thicken.
Add the Salmon and Seasonings Add the bite-sized salmon chunks to the skillet, followed by the chopped dill, parsley, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Stir gently to ensure the salmon is coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes, just until the sauce thickens slightly and the salmon begins to cook through. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Assemble the Pie Transfer the creamy salmon mixture to an oven-safe baking dish (approximately 2-quart or 2-liter capacity). Spread it out evenly. Lay the puff pastry sheet over the top of the filling, trimming any excess pastry if necessary. Gently press the edges to seal the pastry against the dish. Using a sharp knife, make a few decorative slits on top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
Bake Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp. Check that the pastry is cooked through and not soggy on the underside.
Serve Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly for easier slicing. Serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.