Seder Salmon Schmear Supreme

My Seder Salmon Schmear Supreme: A Culinary Journey

This year, I decided to elevate our Seder dinner with a dish that's as much a conversation starter as it is a delicious treat. Forget the same old horseradish – I'm talking about the Seder Salmon Schmear Supreme! This recipe isn't just for Passover; it's a versatile appetizer perfect for any gathering. The process involves a bit of planning, spread over several days, but trust me, the results are worth it. Imagine a vibrant, flavorful schmear, layered with the richness of salmon, the subtle spice of horseradish, and the comforting crunch of potato pancakes – a true taste of tradition with a modern twist. Preparing this dish felt like embarking on a culinary adventure, a perfect blend of old-world techniques and modern culinary creativity.

The preparation itself is a journey. First, the kosher mayo, made from scratch. Yes, it takes time, involving a meticulous pasteurization process for the eggs (a crucial step for kosher-keeping), followed by a slow, steady whisking of the oil. Next comes the salmon, lovingly marinated for at least sixteen hours. This allows the salmon to absorb all the wonderful flavors of olive oil, garlic, lemon, pepper, oregano, and thyme. The baking and broiling process is an art in itself, resulting in perfectly cooked, flaky salmon. Then, there are the potato pancakes – small, crispy, and cooked just right. Each step builds the anticipation for the grand finale: the assembly of the schmear itself. This involves carefully combining all the ingredients, including finely processed pancakes, salmon, carrots, onions, and scallions, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The final touch? A generous drizzle of olive oil, bringing it all together.

The final result? A magnificent schmear that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. The colors are vibrant and inviting, and the taste is a symphony of flavors – rich, savory, and subtly spicy, all perfectly balanced. The dish is more than just food; it’s a symbol of tradition, family, and the joy of sharing a special meal together. It's the kind of dish that sparks conversations and memories, a culinary legacy I'm proud to share. And let’s be honest, it’s also incredibly satisfying to create something so beautiful and delicious from scratch. The feeling of accomplishment, knowing I've created something truly special for my loved ones, is what truly makes this Seder Salmon Schmear Supreme so rewarding.

This recipe has become more than just a dish; it's a cherished memory of the Passover Seder. It's a testament to the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting moments. It's a tradition I plan to continue for years to come, passing on this unique and delicious recipe to future generations. So, if you're looking for a unique and unforgettable addition to your next Seder or any special occasion, look no further. The Seder Salmon Schmear Supreme is a dish that will impress and delight, making it a true centerpiece of your celebration.

Step-by-step

• This recipe is best staggered over several days. Day ONE: Make your kosher mayo!
• First step, pasteurize egg/s! Needed: 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp salt.
• First, wash outside of egg/s briefly with dish soap and warm water. Then crack and separate yolk from white. Then, in a glass measuring cup or facsimile, add yolk only. With FIRST clean fork, whisk up the yolk. Then add 1 tblsp lemon juice, stir again with same fork. Cover measuring cup with plastic wrap. Put in microwave for 4-5 secs on high, remove. Stir with SECOND clean fork, cover with new piece of plastic wrap, return to microwave for another 4-5 secs on high, remove and stir with THIRD clean fork. Have a couple extra eggs on hand if this does not go well and you make scrambled eggs. Should work with most microwaves however.
• Now that your yolk is pasteurized, add it, and 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tblsp white distilled vinegar to a medium bowl.
• Then to bowl, very slowly drizzle the canola oil while whisking constantly. Don't add more oil until you have created a stable-looking emulsion. Slowly, slowly add the rest of the oil whisking very constantly. This could take as much as ten minutes. Refrigerate the mayo tightly covered until needed. It will not have same density or appearance of store-bought mayo but will serve its function quite well when the time comes.
• Day TWO: Marinate the salmon! To a gallon freezer ziploc bag, add the 3/4 cup EVOO, 4 minced garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, 1 heaping tblsp of cracked pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp kosher salt. Then refrigerate marinade for at least a couple of hours.
• Then add the 2 pounds fresh salmon filets to the ziploc bag, shake and combine thoroughly with the marinade. Refrigerate ideally for about 16 hours. (overnight!)
• Day THREE: Cook the salmon, make the pancakes, assemble the Schmear!
• Remove salmon filets from ziploc bag, place on aluminum foil on broiling pan, then cover again with aluminum foil. Preheat oven to 300F and bake for 40 minutes. Then remove top layer of aluminum foil and broil filets for 7 minutes. Remove from oven, refrigerate for a few hours covered on a plate.
• Prepare 3 ounce bag of vegetable potato pancakes (Kosher for Passover). Follow instructions on packaging. Make them small, and be sure to cook all the way through (without scorching). Do this a few hours in advance of rest of recipe combination so pancakes have time to dry at room temperature. No need to refrigerate.
• Now shred, chop, process all ingredients required for assembling the schmear.
• In large bowl, start combining ingredients: fine-processed pancakes, horseradish, turmeric, 1 tblsp cracked black pepper, fine processed salmon, carrots, sweet onion, juice of 1 lemon, 3/4 cup Kosher! Mayo, white ends of scallions. Then make sure to add 3 tblsps of EVOO to lubricate the final combo.
• Chill in fridge, overnight is a must.
• Day FOUR: go to the Seder! Line a medium-sized crystal or nice presentation bowl with big leafy lettuce, then add Seder Salmon Schmear Supreme. Garnish with chopped green scallion tops. Surround with Passover crackers. Summon all guests and tuck into the schmear. L'chaim!