If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, the Salmon Gnocchi with Spinach and Creme Fraiche Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. This recipe combines pillowy gnocchi with tender pieces of salmon, vibrant spinach, and a luxuriously creamy creme fraiche sauce that brings everything together perfectly. Each bite offers a delightful harmony of flavors and textures, making it a stunning meal for weeknights or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Salmon Gnocchi with Spinach and Creme Fraiche Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the delicate salmon adding richness, to the fresh spinach lending a pop of green vitality, and the creme fraiche giving the dish its signature creamy finish.
- Gnocchi: Soft and tender potato gnocchi provide the perfect base, soaking up all the luscious sauce.
- Salmon fillets: Fresh, flaky salmon that brings a subtle seafood sweetness and protein-rich element to the dish.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a mild earthiness and vibrant color to brighten the plate.
- Creme fraiche: Offers a rich, tangy creaminess that balances the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic: Infuses a gentle warmth to the sauce without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Shallots or onions: A sweet aromatic base to deepen the flavor.
- Olive oil or butter: For sautéing, providing a subtle richness and helping to bring ingredients together.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and a clean finish to the creamy sauce.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: To season perfectly.
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley (optional): For a fresh herbal lift when serving.
How to Make Salmon Gnocchi with Spinach and Creme Fraiche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by seasoning your salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Gently pan-sear them over medium heat in a bit of olive oil or butter until the skin is crisp and the flesh just flakes apart easily. This careful cooking ensures your salmon stays moist and full of flavor, rather than drying out.
Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi
While the salmon rests, prepare the gnocchi by boiling them in salted water until they float to the surface—this means they are perfectly cooked. For a slightly crispy texture, you can then briefly sauté the gnocchi in a pan with a touch of butter or olive oil. This step adds a lovely golden exterior to each pillow-soft piece.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Spinach
In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil or butter and gently cook finely chopped shallots or onions along with minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Then add fresh spinach, cooking just until wilted. This quick sauté preserves the spinach’s bright green color and fresh flavor.
Step 4: Make the Creme Fraiche Sauce
Reduce the heat and stir in creme fraiche along with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The lemon not only cuts through the richness but also adds a lovely zing. Season with salt and pepper to balance the flavors and simmer gently to warm the sauce without curdling.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the gnocchi to the pan with the spinach and sauce, tossing everything gently to coat each ingredient in the creamy goodness. Finally, flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and fold it in, taking care not to break the salmon apart too much. Your Salmon Gnocchi with Spinach and Creme Fraiche Recipe is almost ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Salmon Gnocchi with Spinach and Creme Fraiche Recipe
Garnishes
Add a shower of freshly chopped dill or parsley to introduce a burst of herbal freshness that complements the rich sauce superbly. A light sprinkle of lemon zest can also elevate the dish with a fragrant, citrusy note.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or garlic-roasted asparagus to keep the meal balanced and colorful. Crusty bread is also a wonderful addition, for soaking up any remaining sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, plate the gnocchi in a shallow bowl and artistically place the salmon pieces on top. Drizzle some extra creme fraiche or lemon-infused olive oil around the edges for a restaurant-quality touch that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salmon Gnocchi with Spinach and Creme Fraiche Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the sauce and gnocchi together to maintain flavor integrity.
Freezing
Since creme fraiche can separate when frozen and reheated, freezing is not ideal for this recipe. For best results, prepare fresh, but you can freeze the cooked gnocchi and salmon separately if needed, then combine with freshly made sauce when ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, until warm. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce seems too thick or has separated a little to bring it back to a smooth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon can be used as long as it’s properly thawed beforehand. Pat it dry to ensure a good sear and avoid excess moisture.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Fresh potato gnocchi offers the best texture, but high-quality store-bought gnocchi also works well and saves time.
Is creme fraiche necessary or can I substitute it?
Creme fraiche adds a unique tangy creaminess, but you can substitute with sour cream or a mix of Greek yogurt and heavy cream for a similar effect.
Can I add other greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale or Swiss chard work nicely and add a slightly different texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Swap the creme fraiche for a coconut cream or cashew cream alternative and use a vegan gnocchi to make this recipe dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon Gnocchi with Spinach and Creme Fraiche Recipe is truly a love letter to cozy, flavorful eating. It’s elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. I encourage you to try this recipe and discover just how effortlessly delicious home cooking can be when the ingredients and techniques come together just right. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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Salmon Gnocchi with Spinach and Creme Fraiche Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Caramelized Onion Dip is a creamy, flavorful vegan dip featuring deeply caramelized sweet onions blended with a smooth, tangy base of soaked cashews and thick vegan yogurt. Perfect for entertaining, it’s great at dinner parties, game nights, BBQs, or as a delicious snack anytime.
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or oil of choice)
- 4 sweet onions, diced
Creamy Dip Base
- 1 cup thick vegan yogurt (Icelandic Provisions Oatmilk Skyr recommended)
- 1 cup cashews, soaked overnight
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch chives, diced
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25–30 minutes. If the onions begin to stick to the pan, reduce the heat slightly and add a splash of water to prevent burning. Once caramelized, set the onions aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the creamy base: Meanwhile, drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender along with the thick vegan yogurt, lemon juice, garlic clove, salt, and pepper. Blend the mixture until it becomes completely smooth and creamy.
- Combine dip ingredients: Transfer the creamy blended base to a bowl. Fold in the slightly cooled caramelized onions gently until well incorporated.
- Add final fresh touch: Mix in the diced chives to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color throughout the dip.
- Chill and serve: You can serve the dip immediately or refrigerate it for a few hours. Chilling will thicken the dip and allow the flavors to meld deeply for even better taste.
Notes
- Soaking cashews overnight is essential for a smooth, creamy texture when blending.
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for best caramelization and flavor.
- If pressed for time, caramelizing onions can be done on lower heat but will take longer; patience is key.
- This dip pairs wonderfully with chips, crackers, vegetable sticks, or as a spread on sandwiches.
- To keep this recipe gluten-free and vegan, ensure the vegan yogurt used contains no gluten ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
