I've been making new recipes to use up my fresh salmon, and this Smoked Salmon Spread was a hit with everyone who tried it, including me.....once I got the crackers out I couldn't stop and had make to make another batch the next day.
This recipe can be made with smoked salmon, or you can make it taste like smoked salmon. Very easy to make and everyone will love it.
Here's the Salmon Spread Crew:
1 lb. smoked salmon or fresh salmon.
1 1/2 TBS. extra virgin olive oil
5 TBS. room temp. margarine or unsalted butter
Zest of one lemon
Juice from one lemon
2 green onions with stalkschopped thin
1/4 tsp. smoked paprika (or chili powder)
1 TBS. roasted Garlic
1/2 tsp. liquid smoke (if your fish is not smoked)
If your Salmon is not cooked, salt and pepper it lightly and steam it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it flakes. Don't overcook it, or it will be dry. Set it aside and let it completely cool.
add the olive oil and roasted garlic to the room temperature butter, then mix and mash until it is completely blended and smooth.
Now add in the lemon juice, and most of the lemon zest and mix it in till well incorporated.
Add the Salmon, most of the green onion, smoked paprika, and the liquid smoke if you're using it.
Be VERY careful with liquid smoke, it is strong and can ruin your recipe easily if you use too much. It only takes a small amount. If you find it isn't enough flavor for you, add a tiny amount at a time until it's right for you.
Place it in a serving dish and garnish with the remainder of the lemon zest and green onion.
You can eat this right away, or chill it a couple of hours then let it come to room temp so it isn't too thick. Serve it up with your favorite crackers, rye bread, pumpernickle...choice is yours. :-)
