Sparkling Poached Salmon Rillettes
This rich, creamy spread is made from a blend of fresh salmon poached in sparkling wine and smoked salmon, with notes of tarragon, white pepper, and citrus. Enjoy this recipe with Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Brut, Louis Roederer Collection, or Taittinger Brut Réserve.Ingredients
Serves 3 cups
1¼ lbs (560 g) salmon fillet, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
½ lemon, zest and juice, divided
2 cups (500 ml) Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Brut
2 dried bay leaves
1 sprig + 1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh tarragon, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
½ shallot, finely diced
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground white pepper
2 tbsp (30 ml) cream cheese, room temperature
⅔ cup (160 ml) mayonnaise
4 oz (110 g) smoked salmon, finely diced
fresh dill sprigs or green onion, for garnish
toasted sliced baguette, to serve
thinly sliced cucumbers, to serve
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine salmon pieces, salt and lemon zest. Toss gently until evenly coated and let sit on counter for 30 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, combine Cuvée Brut, bay leaves and tarragon sprig and bring to a boil. Add marinated salmon to poaching liquid and bring to a simmer, making sure salmon is covered and adding a splash more Cuvée Brut as needed. Remove from heat, cover and let sit until salmon turns opaque and can be easily flaked with a fork, about 4 minutes.
- Transfer salmon to a paper-towel-lined plate, then let cool in refrigerator. Reserve ¼ cup (60 ml) poaching liquid.
- In a small frying pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add shallots and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Add white pepper, chopped tarragon and ¼ cup (60 ml) reserved poaching liquid and reduce until liquid is almost evaporated. Transfer to a mixing bowl, add cream cheese and beat until smooth. Stir in mayonnaise, lemon juice and diced smoked salmon.
- Garnish with sprigs of dill and serve with toasted sliced baguette and thinly sliced cucumbers on side. Leftover rillettes can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Works great in a sandwich or pasta salad.