No matter how popular it gets, Napa will always have a place in my heart. When I lived in San Francisco, I’d do day trips there on the regular to check out new wineries and restaurants. And though there are plenty of amazing places, Bouchon Bistro will always be a go-to for me.
Every detail feels like France just set up shop in the midst of California wine country: the zinc counter, the bakery next door, and the {Salmon Rillettes} Smoked Salmon and Herbed Crème Fraîche Spread recipe that is so good I dream about it.
But What Are Rillettes?
Similar to pâté, rillettes are a very traditional French dish that was a means of preserving delicious meaty bits. To make traditional rillettes, duck or pork are slow cooked in their own fat and then then mixed with flavorings for a straight-up delicious spread.
Salmon Rillettes Bouchon-Style
At Bouchon they make a seriously swoon-worthy version of rillettes with salmon that we absolutely adore. However, the recipe is quite labor intensive. Here we made a more modern, quicker, and slightly healthier twist that we’re calling Smoked Salmon Rillettes.
They’re made by breaking up smoked salmon and folding it together with a double dose of anise flavor from the fennel and the herbs and a dollop of crème fraîche for a touch of decadence. This spread has a smoky, sweet, anise flavor and is as delicious on a cracker as it is between bread for a quick sandwich.
Now, go stock up on all your cooking essentials, then head into the kitchen, make this, and share it with us by tagging @saltandwind and #swsociety on social!
{Salmon Rillettes} Herbed Crème Fraîche Smoked Salmon Spread Recipe
Ingredients
For The Shallots:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup minced shallots
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
For The Rillettes:
- 2/3 cup small diced fennel bulbs
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves, chives, or chervil
- 1 tablespoon anise liqueur
such as Pernod or another Pastis (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1/3 cup crème fraîche
or sour cream
- 1 pound hot-smoked salmon
or cold-smoked salmon or a mix of the two
For Serving:
- Crackers or crostini
for serving
Instructions
- To Sauté The Shallots: Melt the butter in a medium frying pan over medium heat. When foaming subsides, add the shallots, season with a pinch of salt and a few cranks of freshly ground black pepper. Cook until the shallots are translucent and soft; set aside to cool slightly.
- To Make The Smoked Salmon Rillettes: Stir the shallots together with the fennel, lemon juice, herbs, Pernod (if using), lemon zest, and crème fraîche. Season with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Break salmon into bite-sized pieces and fold together until just combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Transfer rillettes to an airtight container, cover, and refrigerate until chilled through, at least 2 hours.
- To Serve The Rillettes: Let the rillettes sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving so they’re spreadable. To serve, spread on crackers or toast and sprinkle with herbs.
