Delicious smoked salmon florentine: a classic french dish

Smoked salmon florentine is a classic dish that combines the rich flavors of smoked salmon with the freshness of spinach and a creamy sauce. It is a popular choice for brunch or a light dinner, and its origins can be traced back to French cuisine. In this article, we will explore the history of the dish, its variations, and even provide a recipe for you to try at home.

What is Florentine and Why Does it Mean Spinach?

The term florentine in culinary context refers to dishes that typically include a base of cooked spinach, a protein component, and a Mornay sauce. The origin of the term is often attributed to Catherine de Medici of Florence, who married Henry II of France in 153It is said that she brought her love of spinach and Florentine-style dishes to Paris, popularizing it among the French. However, food historians have debunked this story, as Italian influence on French cuisine predates this marriage.

Auguste Escoffier, a renowned French chef, included a recipe for Sole Florentine in his classic cookbook, Le Guide Culinaire. The dish involves poaching fish in butter and fumet, cooking spinach in butter, covering it with Mornay sauce, and finishing it in the oven. Over the years, variations of Florentine dishes have emerged, incorporating different proteins such as chicken breasts, cod fillets, sweetbreads, stuffed lamb breast, and even oysters.

Variations of Florentine Dishes

Florentine-style dishes have inspired various adaptations. For example, a quiche containing spinach is often referred to as quiche florentine. Another popular variation is eggs florentine, which consists of poached or soft-cooked eggs served on a bed of spinach with Mornay sauce or its equivalent.

One of the most well-known variations is Chicken Florentine. It gained popularity in the United States as early as 1931, but its quality varied greatly. In some cases, canned mushroom soup was even used as a quick sauce. However, contemporary cookbook authors and chefs are striving to restore the dish to its elegant roots by using fresher ingredients and creating clearer, brighter flavors.

Health Benefits of Smoked Salmon Florentine

Smoked salmon florentine not only offers a delightful culinary experience but also provides several health benefits. The dish combines the omega-3 fatty acids present in fresh salmon, which are known to promote heart health and reduce inflammation, with the nutritional powerhouse that is spinach.

Spinach is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, and iron. It is also a good source of dietary fiber. The combination of these ingredients makes smoked salmon florentine a nutritious and well-rounded meal option.

Recipe: Smoked Salmon Florentine

Now that you know the history and benefits of smoked salmon florentine, why not try making it yourself? Here's a simple and delicious recipe for you to enjoy:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flaked cooked salmon fillet (about 12 ounces)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and shredded
• 2 cups cooked tri-color chunky pasta
• 2 stalks celery, sliced thin
• 1-1/2 cups skim milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese (about 3/4 cup), divided
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomato pieces, chopped (not oil-packed)
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Combine the salmon, spinach, celery, and pasta in an ovenproof baking dish.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the milk (do not let it boil). Stir in the mustard and half of the Gruyere cheese until melted.
4. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and fennel seeds to the sauce. Let cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes are softened.
5. Pour the sauce over the salmon mixture in the baking dish. Top with the remaining Gruyere cheese.
6. Cover the dish and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.

Serves 4

Each serving contains about 400 calories, 31g protein, 15g fat (37 percent calories from fat), 68mg cholesterol, 25g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, and 611mg sodium.

Smoked salmon florentine is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of smoked salmon, spinach, and a creamy sauce. Its origins can be traced back to French cuisine, and it has inspired various adaptations over the years. By incorporating fresh ingredients and creating vibrant flavors, contemporary chefs aim to restore the dish to its elegant roots. So why not give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness and health benefits of smoked salmon florentine?

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