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 Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission.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
Provençal Herbed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
January 8, 2021
Although today’s recipe for Herbed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables is Provençal, the story has links to Italy (our other love). And it all has to do with a little jar labelled Finocchio, the Italian word for fennel. Once, when Mark and I were in Scottsdale, Arizona, just after our move to Tucson, we were shopping …
Verrine Tricolore a Bell Pepper and Goat Cheese Starter
July 13, 2018
Verrine appetisers and desserts remain popular in France. The idea of layering flavours and textures in a small glass vessel is visually appealing. Think of this recipe as a savoury parfait starter to serve with drinks or as the first course. I make this Verrine Tricolore with two different coloured bell peppers and fresh goat cheese.…
Market Day Fish Recipe: Salmon and Prawn Filo Parcels
September 5, 2017
Crispy, flaky Filo pastry parcels hide a delicious seafood secret of buttery salmon and prawns with a tart and creamy lemon butter sauce.…
Seared Salmon with Morels a Spring Recipe
April 12, 2023
Certain foods are harbingers of the season. Asparagus, fresh peas, and morel mushrooms are culinary ingredients often associated with springtime. Sure, you can find all three during other periods of the year. But honestly, is there anything better than fresh asparagus in the spring? This recipe for seared and roasted salmon combines these lovely flavours. …
No Comment