English Origins for a French Style Potted Salmon Recipe
Appetizer · David Scott Allen · Provencal Recipes · TasteA dish of potted salmon might sound a little more British than French, but David’s idea was to create a pink-on-pink meal. The potted salmon appetizer led off the evening paired with a rosé from Mirabeau Wine. He describes this dish as, “It is a perfect combination of creamy and tart and savory.” If there are any leftovers, make wraps for lunch the next day.
This first course was followed by a savoury ragoût of langoustine and fennel. Read David’s full post here.

Potted Salmon
Ingredients
- 3 cups Water
- 1 cup white wine
- 6 bay leaves fresh
- 1 lb (.450 kg) Salmon Fillet boneless and skinless
- 4 oz Cured Salmon diced, lox
- 1 cup crème fraîche
- 3 tbsp (+ garnish) fresh dill chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh chives chopped
- 1/4 tsp piment d’Espelette
- 1 lemon for zest & juice (from 1/2)
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- to serve Bread, small toasts, or crackers
Instructions
- Bring water, wine, and bay leaves to a boil. Remove from heat, add fillets and cover.
- Set aside to for 15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily but retains some firmness.
- Remove from poaching liquid and let cool fully in a colander.
- Discard poaching liquid.
- Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Gently flake the cooled fillets over the cream mixture and season with salt and freshly-ground black pepper.
- Fold the salmon flakes gently into the cream, taking care not to break up the salmon.
- If not using immediately, store refrigerated in a covered glass container for up to 4 days.
- If using the same day, place in a serving dish and garnish with dill.
- Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Serve with sliced bread, toasts, or crackers.
Notes
Serves 6-8 as a heavy appetizer or first course.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Legal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication InformationAffiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.
Previous Post
Oh La La! Visit San Quentin la Poterie and its PotteryRelated Provence Articles
Delicious Fried Squash Blossoms with Fontina
June 9, 2021
Taking away the flowers of some plants makes them stronger and happier. Basil, for instance, will branch and provide you with much more pesto fodder if you ensure it never blooms. However, when we take away a zucchini blossom to stuff, fry, and eat, will it mean more zucchini to harvest and leave anonymously on …
Everyone Loves Madeleines Salées Try this Savoury Version
July 18, 2018
This recipe for Madeleines Salées uses ingredients more typical of Provence - olive oil, tomatoes, cheese, basil and thyme. These little bites are perfect with some chilled Provencal rosé.…
Rustic Vegetable Tarte from At Home in Provence
November 17, 2025
At Home in Provence by Jeany Cronk is a beautifully curated cookbook blending personal stories and cultural insights that capture her family’s journey from London to Provence to create a life around winemaking. Rich with photographs and local charm, it’s an inspiring read for anyone drawn to Provençal living. The recipes in the book focus …
Valentine’s Day Menu from a Chef’s Wife and Wine Pairings
February 10, 2017
Yeah, I won’t lie, there are certainly some perks to being a chef’s wife. You get to be the guinea pig for his latest recipe obsession for one. I get to watch him perfect his talents while I indulge in little tastings. And while my wardrobe may not always be as forgiving after years of …
No Comment