We are in the home stretch - and while kid's dreams may be filled with visions of sugar plums mine are filled with... savory treats!! At about this time of the year I am pretty much over Christmas cookies and my thoughts are turning to... appetizers. As you may have noticed, I have a "thing" for appetizers.
They fascinate me.
Well, "good things come in small packages" so perhaps that is why I am so enamored of them - but for whatever reason, I adore playing with appetizers. So today, I actually have two of them for you. Either would be perfect for any holiday gathering you've got coming up and, of course, they not only can be made ahead (in fact they have to be!) but they don't require much time because if they did, well, they would not be on on my blog at this time of year - I know I am a little crazy, but not that crazy.
If you've never made Salmon Gravlax before, this is your lucky day! It may sound a little scary, but honestly, it is perhaps one of the easiest and most foolproof things you will ever make. Really. Gravlax is a cured salmon and one that tastes infinitely better that just about smoked salmon you can find in the refrigerated section of any store and it is, as I said, incredibly easy to make.
So what exactly is this "curing" business? Well, smoking or curing with salt and sugar (which is what is used in Gravlax) does two things - it removes much of the moisture from the salmon which allows it to be stored for a longer period of time (because it reduces one of the things bacteria need - water!) and imparts flavors to the salmon based upon what ingredients are used to cure it. I've been making gravlax for a number of years and have finally found the perfect recipe - one that balances salty, sweet and tart and results in a silky and rich gravlax!
Once the salmon is cured (which takes about 36 hours) you can serve it "as it" - thinly slice it, place it on a platter and add crackers, capers, creme fraiche and some finely minced red onion to go with it - everyone can make up their own little bite and it makes a very easy and elegant appetizer that travels well.
Or you can do what I did - make "martini's".
Not the drinkable version of course, but a little "cocktail" served in a martini glass.
See what I mean - I am obsessed!
Seriously though, these little martini's are easy and just a little whimsical - which makes them perfect for the holidays. A little salad of cucumber, onion and avocado topped with some cubed gravlax, a dollop of creme fraiche and topped with whatever you like. I topped mine with finger limes. Finger limes are a specialty lime that is now being grown in California. Inside the juice is contained is little crunchy spheres that resemble caviar and have the tart, refreshing taste of lime. If you can find them (Whole Foods carries them) they make a fun topping to the martini's. But if you can't, a little fresh lemon zest or even salmon caviar make a terrific garnish!
Salmon Gravlax Martini
Ingredients
For Gravlax:
- 1 lb. skinless salmon filet preferably wild
- ½ tsp. freshly ground white pepper
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon zest
- ¾ Tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
- ¾ Tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 Tbsp. fresh dill bruised
- 1 Tbsp. fresh fennel fronds bruised (optional)
- 1 Tbsp. gin
For Martini:
- ¼ lb. gravlax cut into ½ inch dice
- ½ cup English cucumber cut into ⅛ inch dice
- ½ cup red onion cut into ⅛ inch dice
- ½ cup avocado cut into ⅛ inch dice
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. fresh dill minced
- ¼ cup creme fraiche or sour cream
- 4 - 6 finger limes OR 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon zest or 1 Tbsp. salmon roe
Instructions
- For Gravlax:Place salmon on a large sheet of plastic wrap. Mix pepper, maple syrup and salt together in a small bowl and rub all over the top of the salmon. Toss dill, fennel and lemon zest together and place on top of the salt/sugar mixture on salmon. Drizzle the gin over the salmon. Wrap the salmon tightly so the juices won't leak out. Place on a rimmed baking sheet or large plate in the refrigerator. Allow to sit in the refrigerator for approximately 36 hours. Remove salmon from the refrigerator, open up the plastic wrap and scrap off the seasonings (some will adhere to salmon and that's ok). Wipe salmon with a damp paper towel. Either slice paper thin against the grain for traditional gravlax or cut into cubes as directed for the Gravlax Martini. Gravlax Martini:In a medium bowl combine the cucumber, red onion and avocado. Drizzle with the fresh lemon juice and dill. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Divide mixture evenly between small martini glasses. Top with a tablespoon or so of the cubed gravlax. Dollop with a teaspoon of creme fraiche or sour cream and garnish with the finger lime caviar", lemon zest or salmon roe. Serve!
- Place on a rimmed baking sheet or large plate in the refrigerator. Allow to sit in the refrigerator for approximately 36 hours.
- Remove salmon from the refrigerator, open up the plastic wrap and scrap off the seasonings (some will adhere to salmon and that's ok). Wipe salmon with a damp paper towel. Either slice paper thin against the grain for traditional gravlax or cut into cubes as directed for the Gravlax Martini.
Gravlax Martini
- In a medium bowl combine the cucumber, red onion and avocado. Drizzle with the fresh lemon juice and dill. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
Divide mixture evenly between small martini glasses. Top with a tablespoon or so of the cubed gravlax. Dollop with a teaspoon of creme fraiche or sour cream and garnish with the finger lime caviar", lemon zest or salmon roe. Serve!
Nutrition
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
This looks beyond fabulous Nancy; I love salmon and all of the flavor profile but put into a martini glass to serve? Priceless!
Nancy says
We should do a series pairing apps and drinks I think!!
Kathy - Panini Happy says
I love everything about this! I can't wait to try making the gravlax - its something I've been meaning to do for years, I can just imagine how incredible it is. And those finger limes - so pretty! I'll definitely be on the lookout for those at Whole Foods.
Nancy says
You definitely should make this Kathy - it is incredibly simple and it tastes amazing!! And the finger limes - they are amazing!
Lisa says
What a gorgeous way to present gravlax! I cured a nice piece of wild salmon for Thanksgiving - I wish I had known about this then! Next time, this is how it's being served 🙂
Nancy says
Hi Lisa! This is definitely a FUN way to serve it - love the looks on people's faces when I bring these out!
Priscilla - She's Cookin' says
Adore salmon in all its forms - but especially when presented in a martini glass 🙂 Lovely recipe and presentation!
Nancy says
Thanks Priscilla! I just love these little martini glasses - makes everything taste better!
classic•casual•home says
This is extraordinarily beautiful, Nancy!
Nancy says
Aww... thanks MaryAnn!! After Christmas you guys definitely need to come to dinner and I'll make this to start things off!!
Magic of Spice says
Your Gravlax is just perfect...love the presentation! I am a bit of an appetizer fiend myself and this is a must add to my favorites list 🙂
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
Nancy, this looks awesome! Such a great appetizer. Finger limes are all the rage right now - I'm going to have to head over to Whole Foods and see if I can find some 🙂
Lana says
I had to come and look for the recipe after you talked about it today. I wanted to cure my own salmon for a few years now (I cure cabbage for sauerkraut, so why not salmon?) and now I got just enough of a nudge. It looks easy enough and I have no excuse:)
These little starters are adorable and adding the acidic spheres of finger limes just put them over the top!
It was great seeing you and I hope we continue seeing each other.
Happy New Year!
Nancy says
It was so good to see you too Lana! I hope you try the salmon - it is so easy and so good!
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
I made some gravlax for the first time over the holidays and absolutely loved the stuff. This is such a cool way to present it! Brilliant!
Happy New Year, and I hope to see you around at an event in 2012!
Nancy says
Hi Lori!
Happy New Year to you as well!! It's amazing how something so simple can be so fabulous!! Glad you like the presentation - gotta love playing in the kitchen! Hope to see you at an event as well!!
Jay says
I am using this as inspiration for my culinary class. I might put it in more of a carpaccio form, although this martini idea looks very fun. Amazing presentation!
Nancy says
Hi Jay!! Awww... your comment made my day!!!