Salmon pie is a cherished holiday tradition in many households. This recipe, passed down from Jeanne Uttley’s mom, has become a staple for special occasions and gatherings throughout the year. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with a side salad.
New England Salmon Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that pays homage to the rich culinary traditions of the New England region. This savory pie combines the succulent flavors of fresh salmon with a medley of vegetables, creamy sauce, and a flaky pastry crust, resulting in a delightful and satisfying meal.
As the name suggests, this pie draws inspiration from the coastal waters of New England, where seafood is abundant and revered. The star of the dish is the salmon, a prized fish known for its delicate texture and rich, buttery taste. Fresh salmon fillets are poached or gently cooked to retain their tenderness, then flaked and combined with a flavorful mixture of vegetables and seasonings.
The filling of the New England Salmon Pie typically includes a combination of onions, celery, carrots, and peas, which provide a pleasing contrast of textures and flavors. These vegetables, along with aromatic herbs and spices, are sautéed until tender, creating a fragrant base that complements the salmon beautifully.
To bring everything together, a rich and creamy sauce is prepared, often made with a combination of milk, cream, and a hint of tangy lemon juice. This luscious sauce coats the salmon and vegetables, binding them together while infusing the filling with a velvety smoothness.
The pie is then assembled by layering the salmon mixture inside a flaky and buttery pastry crust. The crust is rolled out, carefully fitted into a pie dish, and filled with the salmon mixture. Another layer of pastry is placed on top, creating a seal that locks in all the flavors and moisture.
As the New England Salmon Pie bakes in the oven, the crust turns a golden brown, and the filling becomes irresistibly bubbly and aromatic. The sight and aroma of the pie are simply irresistible, teasing your senses and building anticipation for the moment when you finally get to slice into it.
This hearty and flavorful pie is often enjoyed as a main course, accompanied by a side of fresh greens or a light salad. It’s a dish that embodies the comforting essence of New England’s coastal cuisine, offering a taste of the region’s bountiful seafood heritage.
Whether enjoyed on a cozy evening at home or shared with family and friends during a gathering, New England Salmon Pie is sure to impress with its delightful combination of flavors and its warm and inviting presentation.
INGREDIENTS
- 3½ cups warm mashed potatoes (without added milk and butter)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 can (14¾ ounces) salmon, drained, bones and skin removed
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, onion, milk, celery seed, garlic powder, salt, and white pepper.
- Stir in the drained salmon and minced parsley.
- Line a 9-inch pie plate with the bottom pastry, trimming it even with the edges.
- Spread the salmon mixture evenly into the pie crust.
- Roll out the remaining pastry to fit the top of the pie and place it over the filling.
- Trim, seal, and flute the edges of the pie. Cut slits in the top crust for venting.
- Beat the egg and water together, then brush the mixture over the pastry.
- Bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes or until the crust turns golden.
- Once baked, refrigerate any leftovers.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- This salmon pie recipe is a treasured tradition passed down through generations.
- It can be enjoyed during the holidays or for other special get-togethers.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
