Cucumber with Smoked Salmon Cream

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites:

When it comes to sophisticated yet simple salmon appetisers, smoked salmon and cucumber stand out as a classic combination. This duo is not only visually appealing but also offers a brilliant balance of flavours and textures. Let’s dive into what makes smoked salmon and cucumber a match made in culinary heaven.

I don’t know about you but if you have a day job like I have, but you like to entertain as well, then you want a few relatively effortless food options up your sleeve for either those last-minute guests or whether you are planning some kind of celebration. Regardless, you can do alot with these same ingredients & pretty much prepare these on the run.

Smoked salmon is a delicacy that has been enjoyed for centuries. The process of smoking salmon involves curing the fish with salt and then exposing it to smoke from burning wood chips. This method not only preserves the salmon but also imparts a unique, smokey flavour that is both savoury and slightly sweet. The result is a tender, silky texture that melts in your mouth.

Cucumbers are the perfect counterpart to smoked salmon. Their crisp texture and refreshing taste provide the perfect contrast to the rich, smokey flavour of the fish. Cucumbers are composed mostly of water, making them hydrating and low in calories.

When pairing cucumbers with smoked salmon, their mild flavour allows the salmon’s smokiness to shine without being overpowering. Cucumbers also add a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth texture of the salmon.

Beyond appetisers, the smoked salmon and cucumber combination can be used in various other dishes. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings out different aspects of these ingredients’ flavours and textures.

Smoked salmon and cucumber are a culinary match that offers elegance, simplicity, and a delicious harmony of flavours. Whether you’re preparing a fancy appetiser for a party or a light snack for yourself, this pairing is popular & it will impress. Give it a try and experience the timeless appeal of smoked salmon and cucumber.

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Cucumber with Smoked Salmon Cream

(Serves 12 Prep 20 Mins)

You Will Need:

• Continental Cucumber: You should only need 1 but it depends how thick you cut your slices. I prefer the continental cucumber as it has a nicer texture & less seeds. You can leave the skin on or peel it or do peel intermittently to create a stripe effect. I personally like the skin on as it is a nice pop of colour & adds a crunch.
• Smoked Salmon: Smoked salmon is typically cured with salt and then smoked to impart a rich, smokey flavour. It is usually sold in thin slices and can be found in both cold-smoked and hot-smoked varieties. It has a very rich and silky texture & is classed as a bit of a delicacy.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting cheese with a creamy texture. It serves as a smooth, slightly tangy base for your appetisers. Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Greek Yoghurt: Adding a bit of Greek yoghurt helps to lighten the cream cheese texture and adds a fresh tang.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, acidic note that complements the rich smoked salmon and creamy cheese. Fresh Lemon juice is what you want. I also add the zest as well to give that extra citrus burst. It helps to balance out the richness & cut through the fat.
• Fresh Dill: Dill is an aromatic herb with feathery green leaves that provide a fresh, slightly tangy flavour. It is my go-to herb when making anything with Salmon. Save a couple of teaspoons of fresh dill for your garnish.
• Garlic: You don’t need alot of garlic but a clove would make the difference. Omit it if you don’t like it.
• Salt and Pepper to Taste: Add salt & pepper to your taste. Seasoning with salt & pepper enhances the flavours of the dish.
• Chilli Flakes: Dried red pepper flakes add a touch of heat and a subtle spice to the canapes. I actually used semi-dried chilli flakes, which I buy from the fresh produce section at the supermarket. They add a more integrated flavour & a nice pop of colour.
• Optional: Capers, Red Onion Slices, or Lemon Zest These are alternatives but a garnish should always add to the dish with either flavour, texture or colour or a combination.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cucumber: Wash the cucumber and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. You can peel the cucumber or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. I like the skin on, for texture and colour. Use a mini cookie cutter to remove centre of your slices or use a melon baller and scoop out 1/2 the seeds.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mix: In a small processor, add the cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, yoghurt, garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper to the bowl & blitz until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble the Canapes: Add the cream cheese mix to a piping bag with nozzle & pipe the mixture into the cucumber.
4. Garnish: Add a touch of garnish to each canape for added flavour and visual appeal. Red chilli flakes, finely chopped dill and a sprinkle of lime zest work a treat.
5. Serve: Arrange the canapes on a platter and serve immediately. These bites are best enjoyed fresh.

Helpful Hints

• I used a mini cookie cutter to take out the centre of the cucumber slices. You could also use a melon baller to scoop out some seeds and give you a bit more space for your filling.

• Use a paper towel to dab your cucumber slices to remove as much moisture from the surface.

• These appetisers are best served fresh. You can refrigerate on the day but are best served as soon as they are piped with salmon cream.

• You could substitute the Greek yoghurt with creme fraiche.

Cucumber with Smoked Salmon Cream

Recipe

(Serves 12 Prep 20 Mins)

Ingredients

• 1 large Continental Cucumber
• 100g Smoked Salmon
• 100g Cream Cheese
• 2 Tbsp Greek Yoghurt
• 1/2 Lemon juiced
• Zest of 1 Lemon
• 1 Clove Garlic
• 2 tablespoon fresh Dill, chopped
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Chilli flakes (garnish)
• Lime Zest (garnish)
• 2 tsp fresh chopped Dill (garnish)

Method

1. Prepare the Cucumber: Wash the cucumber thoroughly and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. You can peel the cucumber or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. Use a cookie cutter to remove the centre of the slices. Dab dry with a paper towel.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Spread: In bowl of a small processor, add the salmon, cream cheese, lemon juice, Lemon zest, yoghurt, chopped dill, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble the Canapes: Dab the cucumber dry with a paper towel. Using a piping bag and tip, pipe the Salmon cream into/ onto each cucumber slice.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle cucumber bites with chilli flakes, chopped dill and Lime zest.

Serve & Enjoy!

Wine Pairing Suggestions:

Champagne or Sparkling: The bubbles and acidity in Champagne or sparkling wine cleanse the palate and enhance the delicate flavours of the smoked salmon. The lightness and effervescence also complement the fresh, crisp cucumber. Try a Brut Champagne or a high-quality sparkling wine, such as a Cava or Prosecco.

Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc offers high acidity and a zesty, citrusy profile that pairs beautifully with the smokey richness of the salmon and the refreshing cucumber. Its herbal notes, often reminiscent of dill, can also complement the dill in the cream cheese mix. A Sauvignon Blanc from regions like Marlborough in New Zealand would work perfectly.

Riesling: A dry or off-dry Riesling has enough acidity to balance the richness of the smoked salmon and provides a hint of sweetness that complements the saltiness of the fish. Its fruity notes also add an extra layer of flavour to the pairing.

Chablis: Chablis, a Chardonnay from the Chablis region of France, is known for its steely acidity and mineral notes. These characteristics make it a great match for smoked salmon and cucumber, as it cuts through the richness and enhances the fresh flavours.

Rose: A dry rosé offers a lovely balance of acidity and fruitiness, making it a versatile pairing for smoked salmon. The light, refreshing nature of rosé complements the cucumber while the fruit notes enhance the salmon.