Imagine a culinary experience that transports you to the elegant drawing rooms of British high society with just one bite. These Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Sandwiches are not just a simple lunch, but a gourmet journey that combines delicate flavors, refined textures, and a touch of sophistication that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Perfect for afternoon tea, brunch, or an impressive appetizer, these sandwiches are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g smoked salmon
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 8 slices of bread
- 100g cream cheese
- Fresh dill for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Ensure all ingredients are fresh and chilled. Remove smoked salmon and cream cheese from refrigerator 15 minutes before preparation to slightly soften.
- Wash cucumber thoroughly and use a sharp mandoline or knife to slice cucumber into very thin, uniform rounds. Pat cucumber slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Carefully spread a generous, even layer of cream cheese on each slice of bread, ensuring complete coverage to edges.
- Gently layer thin, delicate slices of smoked salmon over the cream cheese, allowing some natural folds and overlaps for visual appeal.
- Arrange cucumber slices atop the salmon, slightly overlapping to create an elegant presentation. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Carefully trim crusts from bread to create neat, rectangular sandwich shapes if desired. Cut each sandwich diagonally to create triangular halves.
- Garnish with fresh dill sprigs, finely chopped or whole, to add a subtle herbal aroma and decorative touch.
- Serve immediately on a chilled platter. Best enjoyed within 30 minutes of preparation to maintain bread's texture and freshness.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Allow cream cheese and smoked salmon to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before preparation to enhance spreadability and flavor.
- Moisture Control: Always pat cucumber slices dry to prevent soggy sandwiches. A mandoline ensures uniform, paper-thin slices for an elegant presentation.
- Cream Cheese Technique: Spread cream cheese to the very edges of the bread for complete coverage and maximum flavor in every bite.
- Salmon Placement: Layer salmon with gentle, natural folds to create visual interest and prevent a flat, boring appearance.
- Crust or No Crust: Trimming crusts is optional but recommended for a more refined, classic tea sandwich look.
- Timing is Key: Prepare and serve within 30 minutes to maintain the perfect bread texture and ingredient freshness.
- Garnish Wisely: Fresh dill adds not just visual appeal but a subtle herbal note that complements the rich salmon.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
