New England Salmon Pie Recipes

SALMON PIE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix together flour and salt.
• Mix in the oil with a fork until no dry flour remains and the mixture is about the consistency of peas.
• Add the water and mix with a form until the dough comes together and cleans the sides of the bowl. (If it doesn't come together nicely, add more oil, 1 tsp at a time.) Press the dough firmly into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap until you are ready to use it.
• Heat butter in a large skillet. Add the onion and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onions soften, 3-5 min.
• Remove the pan from the heat. Add the flaked and de-boned salmon, mashed potatoes, and pepper. Mix well, until an even mixture forms. Add the reserved canned salmon liquid as necessary so that the filling is not dry, but not too wet either. (You will probably need about half of the canned salmon liquid.)
• Taste the filling and add salt as desired.
• Preheat your oven to 425F.
• Divide the pie crust dough into two portions. Set one aside, covered, for later. Roll the other, between two pieces of wax paper, into a 12 inch circle.
• Place the crust into a 9 inch pie pan.
• Spoon salmon filling into bottom crust, making sure the top is even.
• Roll out the remaining crust dough, between two pieces of wax paper, to a 10 inch circle. Cut steam slits into the crust.
• Dampen the edge of the bottom crust with a little cold water, and place the top crust over the pie. Press the edges firmly together, and flute as desired.
• Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes, until the crust is golden.
• Remove the pie from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.

FRENCH-CANADIAN SALMON PIE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter or lard until mixture is an even crumbly texture. Add cold water a tablespoon at a time and mix until dough comes together.
• Shape the dough into a disc, wrap, and chill in the refrigerator. While pastry is chilling, prepare filling.
• Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut into chunks and boil in a medium size pot of water until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain, mash the potatoes, and set aside.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, and sauté until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the 1/2-cup of water to the skillet.
• Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper, and place it into the skillet skin side down.
• Spoon liquid and onions over the salmon, cover the skillet, and cook until the salmon is opaque, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the salmon cool slightly.
• Remove the skin and break the salmon into pieces. Add the salmon, onions, and poaching liquid to the mashed potatoes and mix to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• On a lightly floured surface, divide dough in half and form two balls. Flatten one ball with your hands, and roll dough to about 12-inches in diameter, to fit a 9-inch pie pan.
• Place the pastry into the pie plate and add the salmon pie filling. Gently pat the filling down to remove any air spaces.
• Brush around the outer edge of the pastry with the beaten egg. Roll out the top pastry and place on top of the pie filling.
• Fold the top crust under the bottom crust and pinch the edges. Brush with egg wash and cut vent holes.
• Bake the salmon pie in a preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. While the salmon pie is baking, make the dill béchamel sauce.
• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add milk stirring constantly. When sauce begins to thicken, add the lemon juice, dill, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2 minutes. Keep warm until ready to serve.
• Remove the pie from oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Cut into pie wedges, drizzle with the dill sauce if desired, and serve warm.
• Yield: Makes 1 pie, about 8 servings.

NEW ENGLAND SALMON PIE

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine the potatoes, onion, milk, celery seed, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir in salmon and parsley. Line a 9-in. pie plate with bottom pastry; trim even with edges. Spread salmon mixture into crust. , Roll out remaining pastry to fit top of pie; place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edges. Cut slits in top. Beat egg and water; brush over pastry. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden. Refrigerate leftovers.