Savory Endive Boats with Creamy Smoked Salmon Filling
Indulge your taste buds with these elegant Savory Endive Boats filled with a luscious creamy smoked salmon mixture. Perfect as an impressive appetizer for your next gathering or a delightful addition to a brunch spread, these bite-sized delights are not only quick to prepare but also bring a fresh, zesty flavor profile that your guests will love. The crunchy Belgian endive pairs beautifully with the smoky richness of salmon, complemented by tangy capers and a hint of lemon. Prepare ahead of time for a hassle-free entertaining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Smoked Salmon
6 ounces (dry smoked, chopped)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Capers
2 tablespoons (drained)
Red Onions
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Belgian Endive
3-4 heads (leaves separated)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely chopping the smoked salmon in a food processor until it resembles a paste.
2
In the same processor, add the cream cheese and fresh lemon juice. Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
3
Add the capers and finely chopped red onions to the mixture, then pulse a few times to ensure they are evenly incorporated without losing their texture.
4
Carefully separate the leaves from the Belgian endive heads, discarding any damaged or wilted leaves.
5
Transfer the smooth salmon mixture into a piping bag. If you don't have a piping bag, a plastic ziplock bag with a corner snipped off will also work.
6
Pipe the smoked salmon mixture generously into the cups of the endive leaves.
7
Chill the assembled endive boats in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. These appetizers can be made several hours in advance and maintain their crispness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Endive Boats with Creamy Smoked Salmon Filling?
They are elegant, bite-sized appetizers featuring crunchy Belgian endive leaves filled with a smooth mixture of smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and lemon.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 main ingredients: smoked salmon, cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, capers, red onions, and Belgian endive.
Can I prepare these endive boats in advance?
Yes, you can assemble these several hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator; they are designed to maintain their crispness.
What type of endive is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 3-4 heads of Belgian endive, using the leaves as small serving 'boats'.
How should I prepare the smoked salmon?
The smoked salmon should be finely chopped in a food processor until it reaches a paste-like consistency before being mixed with other ingredients.
Is this recipe considered low carb?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags, this is a low carb and keto-friendly appetizer option.
What can I use if I do not have a piping bag?
If you don't have a professional piping bag, a plastic ziplock bag with one corner snipped off works perfectly for filling the endive leaves.
What gives the salmon filling its zesty flavor?
The zesty flavor profile comes from the combination of fresh lemon juice, tangy capers, and finely chopped red onions.
Do I need to cook any of the ingredients?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that involves processing, mixing, and assembling chilled ingredients.
How do I ensure the capers and onions are distributed evenly?
Add the capers and onions to the processor last and pulse only a few times so they incorporate without losing their distinct texture.
What should the consistency of the filling be?
The filling should be smooth and creamy, achieved by blending the salmon paste with softened cream cheese and lemon juice.
How much cream cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How much smoked salmon is used?
You will need 6 ounces of dry smoked salmon for the filling.
Should I drain the capers?
Yes, the instructions specify using 2 tablespoons of drained capers.
What is the recommended serving occasion?
These are perfect as party appetizers, finger food for gatherings, or as a sophisticated addition to a brunch spread.
How do I prepare the endive heads?
Carefully separate the individual leaves from the heads and discard any leaves that appear wilted or damaged.
Is fresh lemon juice better than bottled?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor profile.
Should the cream cheese be cold or room temperature?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure it blends smoothly with the salmon paste.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
While a food processor is recommended for the paste consistency, a high-powered blender can work if you are careful not to over-process the onions and capers.
How much onion should I add?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely chopped red onions.
What is the primary texture of the appetizer?
It features a contrast between the crunchy Belgian endive leaf and the luscious, creamy filling.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Yes, since the 'boats' are made of vegetable leaves and the filling consists of salmon, dairy, and aromatics, it is naturally gluten-free.
How many endive boats does this make?
Depending on the size of the 3-4 endive heads, you can typically yield 20-30 individual bite-sized boats.
Do I need to season with salt and pepper?
The recipe relies on the natural saltiness of the smoked salmon and capers, but you can add seasoning to taste if desired.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
No, this recipe contains smoked salmon and is therefore not vegetarian.
How should the red onions be prepared?
Red onions should be finely chopped before being added to the processor for pulsing.
Can I use different types of salmon?
Dry smoked salmon is recommended as it processes well into a paste for the creamy filling.
Should the finished boats be served cold?
Yes, you should chill the assembled boats in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them.
What makes this a 'hassle-free' entertaining choice?
It is quick to prepare, requires no cooking, and can be made ahead of time, leaving you more time with your guests.
Are endive boats a healthy snack?
They are a nutritious choice, offering protein from salmon and vitamins from the fresh vegetables while remaining low in carbohydrates.