Salmon
with Spinach & Feta Cheese Strudel
*
Adapted From Epicurious.com
Ingredients:
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped leeks
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
two 1/2 - 3/4-inch thick salmon fillets
six 18- by 14-inch sheets of phyllo, stacked between 2 sheets of
wax paper and covered with a dampened kitchen towel
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan cook the spinach according to the package
instructions, drain it, and let it cool. When the spinach is cool
enough to handle, squeeze it dry by handfuls, transferring it as
it is squeezed onto paper towel, to dry (the spinach should be very
dry).
2. In the saucepan cook the onion and the leeks in 2 tablespoons
of the butter over moderate heat, stirring, until they are softened.
Stir in the flour, and cook the mixture, stirring, for 1 minute.
Add the milk and and cook the mixture, stirring, for 3 minutes.
(The mixture will be extremely thick.) Stir the onion-leek
mixture into the spinach with the feta and salt and pepper to taste.
The filling may be made 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled.
3. Meanwhile, barbeque the salmon fillets, patted dry and seasoned
with salt and pepper, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until it is just cooked
through. Remove from the grill and let the salmon cool.
4. Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a small saucepan melt the remaining
5 tablespoons butter. On a work surface arrange two 20-inch-long
sheets of wax paper with the long sides slightly overlapping and
facing you. Put 1 sheet of the phyllo on the wax paper, brush it
with some of the butter, and sprinkle it with about 2 teaspoons
of the Parmesan on top. On this, layer, brush, and sprinkle 4 more
sheets of the phyllo in the same manner and lay the sixth sheet
on top.
5. Spread the spinach filling in a 3-inch-wide strip, mounding it
on the phyllo 3 inches above the near long side, leaving a 2-inch
border at each end, and arrange the salmon on top, pressing it gently
into the filling. Using the wax paper as a guide, lift the bottom
4 inches of the pastry over the filling, fold in the ends, and roll
up the strudel tightly. Transfer the strudel carefully, seam side
down, to a lightly buttered baking sheet, brush it with the remaining
butter, and bake it in the lower third of the oven for 25 minutes,
or until it is golden.
6. Let the strudel cool to warm on the baking sheet on a rack. The
strudel may be made 1 day in advance and kept covered loosely and
chilled. Reheat the strudel in a preheated 400°F. oven for 15
minutes. Serve the strudel warm, cut into 1-inch slices with a serrated
knife.
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