Citrus Dill Cured Salmon Recipe

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €34.15 · €5.69/serving

• 1 bunch dill, plus sprigs for servingEst. price €0.80–€1.80
• 2 grapefruitsEst. price €1.20–€2.50
• 3 lemonsEst. price €0.90–€1.80
• 1 1/4 cups kosher saltEst. price €0.40–€0.90
• 1 cup (packed) light brown sugarEst. price €0.70–€1.50
• 1 Tbsp. cracked black peppercornsEst. price €0.15–€0.35
• 1 (3-lb.) boneless side of salmonEst. price €30.00–€45.00
• Bagels, bialys, pumpernickel or rye bread, cream cheese, sliced red onion, capers, and/or lemon wedges (for serving; optional)Est. price €0.00–€0.00

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by putting a bunch of dill into a food processor. Proceed to grate the zest of grapefruit and lemon directly into the bowl, setting aside the fruits for later use. Next, add salt, brown sugar, and peppercorns to the processor and blend until well combined. Alternatively, you can hand-chop the dill and mix it with the other ingredients in a separate medium-sized bowl.

2. 2

   Begin by lining a spacious rimmed baking sheet with a generous piece of parchment paper. Spread one-third of the curing mixture lengthwise along the center of the parchment. Lay the salmon, skin side facing down, on top of the curing mixture. Proceed to evenly spread the remaining curing mixture over the flesh side of the salmon. Fold the parchment paper over the fish and cover it with an additional sheet of parchment paper. Wrap everything securely using plastic wrap. Next, position another large rimmed baking sheet on top of the fish and place a heavy pot or cast-iron skillet on this baking sheet to act as a weight. Refrigerate for 3 days to allow for proper curing.

3. 3

   Remove the fish from its packaging and use a damp kitchen towel to wipe off the cure without rinsing it. Using a long sharp knife, slice the fish very thinly while occasionally wiping down the blade with another kitchen towel to maintain cleanliness. Place the sliced salmon on a serving platter and serve alongside bagels, bialys, bread, cream cheese, red onion, capers, dill sprigs, and/or lemon wedges according to preference.

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• Cultural note

  Cured salmon has a long history in Scandinavian and Jewish cuisine. The process of curing fish with salt and sugar dates back centuries and was originally used as a preservation method. In Jewish culture, cured salmon is commonly served with bagels and cream cheese as a traditional dish.

• Seasonal note

  Citrus fruits like grapefruits and lemons are typically in season during winter, making this dish ideal for colder months. Dill is also commonly available in the spring and summer, adding a fresh touch to the cured salmon.

• Health note

  This Citrus Dill Cured Salmon dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats from the salmon. The vitamin C from the citrus fruits helps boost immunity, while the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon promote heart health. However, the high sodium content should be considered for those watching their salt intake.