Rescuing a tragedy
Posted by Aarti on July 15th, 2010 . Filed under: Uncategorized .One of the best things about messing things up in the kitchen, is the feeling you get when you’ve managed to rescue it. It’s even better than when you make something perfectly. You feel ingenious, nifty, like a culinary MacGyver.
And so, it is with much pride that I present to you my Salvaged Salmon Cakes!
(Sorry about the picture quality; I keep eating late, after the sun goes down, so the light in the kitchen is awful. On yet another side note, isn’t that plate cute? I got it at ikea today. Just darling! Had to get ‘em!)
You may have read my post about ruining an expensive piece of salmon filet the other night. Well tonight, not only did she rise from the ashes like some kind of orange-fleshed phoenix, BUT listen up gluten-free peeps! I figured out a cute trick to get your seafood cakes to stick!
This was definitely a recipe using things left over in the kitchen, so I’m not sure how easy this will be to throw together for you, but if you just so happen to have a little cooked salmon and some leftover boiled potato, you’re in luck.
And here’s my trick for you GF folks!
Whenever you make salmon cakes, or any kind of cake, you need a two-step binder, right? Usually, egg and breadcrumbs. Sadly, we can’t use regular breadcrumbs.
A-HA, but… have you discovered this product yet?
They’re gluten-free pretzels, made by a company called Glutino. I got my bag at Whole Foods, but you can also buy them on Amazon.
Let me tell you people: they’re awesome. I don’t taste any difference between the regular kind and this kind. They’re salty, crunchy, with no weird aftertaste. Brilliant. AND, if you grind up a handful in your food processor, they make an excellent binding agent.
Not bad, huh? I can see myself using those pretzel crumbs as a breading agent too, for the fried green tomatoes I’m planning on making this weekend using the fine toms I got at the farmers market this past week. (BTW, anyone got a good recipe, that doesn’t involve deep-frying?!)
I must say, I’m quite chuffed with myself. Not only did I salvage a particularly overcooked piece of salmon, but I also figured out a neat little GF trick! Who says that failure is bad?
Since I just threw this together tonight as an experiment, my measurements aren’t up to my usual par. But I bet you get the idea.
Salvaged Salmon Cakes!
1 small shallot, minced
1/2 serrano pepper, minced (use less if you don’t like things spicy)
1 clove garlic minced
Extra virgin olive oil
1 small piece cooked salmon, broken up into fine flakes using your hands (I had enough salmon to serve two not-very-hungry people)
1/2 cup boiled, then smashed, potato
2 tbsp sliced scallions (you can use any herb here)
1/4 cup ground up GF pretzels (you can use breadcrumbs if you’re not sensitive like I am). You may need more depending on how wet your mixture turns out at first
1 egg
Salt and pepper
Squirt of kecap manis (optional)
Couple slices of lemon
1) In small pan, warm a coupla teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. When shimmering, add shallots, serrano pepper and garlic. Saute gently until softened and shallot has turned a light brown. Remove from pan and allow to cool.
2) In medium bowl, combine salmon, potato, scallions, ground up pretzels (or breadcrumbs), egg, salt and pepper. Feel free to add more seasonings here: mustard, hot sauce, garam masala, old bay… the world is your, um, oyster! Add the cooled shallot mixture to the bowl too.
3) Gently bring mixture together with your hands. It should be able to hold a ball without coming apart easily. If it’s too wet, add more pretzel crumbs. I divided my mixture into 2, and formed 3″ to 4″ inch patties out of them. Make sure they’re even and holding together well.
4) Warm some canola oil in a saute pan over medium heat. I used a cast iron skillet, but you can use a nonstick skillet. If you’re using a cast iron skillet, you’ll need at least 1 tbsp of oil.
5) When oil is shimmering, carefully place patties in the pan. Cook about 5 minutes per side, until each side is golden brown. I served mine with some sliced cucumbers (dressed simply with just some rice vinegar). I also squirted a little kecap manis (my new favourite!), and squeezed some fresh lemon over the top for added flavour.
YUM!!! Hooray for failure!
-x-
aarti
July 15th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
My daughter; Hadassa, (who is 4) and I just made salmon burgers the other day. I didn’t have any leftover salmon on hand but used canned salmon instead. As I was deboning the fish Hadassa kept eating the vertebrae (that’s what I get for telling her that her great grand mom eats the bones). Then, when time came to mix up the burgers I asked what we should put in them. I kid you not she said ” brown mustard, horseradish, mayonnaise, cilantro and lime”. Now, she was just picking things that were at eye level in the fridge- but the cilantro and lime…she just picked them out of thin air! She’s 4!! I’m raising a culinary genius who was apparently born with an amazing palate! She has great taste too…she is rooting for you on NFNS and she watches aarti paarti with me!! Tomorrow we are making your lamb kabobs and baked samosas!
PS you can see her pic on my FB page listed above..you’ll want to look, shes so cute!!
July 16th, 2010 at 5:59 am
Great idea!!!
July 16th, 2010 at 7:14 am
like a culinary MacGyver = awesome! I don’t have an actual recipe, but I usually do a shallow pan fry for FGT and it comes out well.
July 16th, 2010 at 9:24 am
Wow! How fantastic! Now I have a recipe that will cover those frozen salmon burgers (that always cook up too dry) and the stale pretzels I can always find lingering in our pantry!
Have a great weekend!
July 16th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
i love those pretzels! i think they actually taste better
you so smaht!
July 16th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Hey Aarti! You are such an amazng chef and person! I’m rooting for you all the way on Next Food Star! I just found your website and already love the idea. I wll be looking at it whenever I need some chef inspiration! The pretzels are great1
July 16th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Enjoying your website and rooting for you on NFNS.
By the way, your Dubai samosa story equals or tops any personal tidbit I’ve heard from Serena
I think you’d make a wonderful addition to FN
July 16th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
You are a smarty pants! I love that you use things like pretzels … I want to be more like you!
July 16th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
The technique described here works well for semi-frying green tomatoes.
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/fried_green_tomato_sandwiches_with_r_moulade_sauce.html
July 17th, 2010 at 7:34 am
Aarti, just started watching Next FN Star. I thought you were super cool. Wishing you the best.
July 17th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Hey Aarti! I love the Next Food Network Star and I hope you win! You rock!
July 18th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Hi Aarti,
We are watching you every Sunday and cheering you on. Your following in Atlanta is growing by leaps and bounds. It’s so neat to actually know a TV star! We also voted for you 10 times as a fan favorite on the Food Channel website, and notice you are leading the vote! Love and best wishes from us both……Donna and Carter Fowlkes, Atlanta.
July 18th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Great idea Aarti! Good Luck!
July 19th, 2010 at 12:35 am
Best of luck on Food Network star! enjoyed this recipe alot, but what is even better for me is seeing you on that show. For a young Asian-American (particularly one who has recently become more passionate about cooking), it’s really inspiring to see you on TV consistently kicking ass. I have so much faith in you, and wish you the best.
July 19th, 2010 at 6:30 am
http://southernfood.about.com/od/greentomatoes/r/bl10712e.htm is a recipe for oven fried tomatoes that I seem to remember using a long time ago (it may have been a similar recipe – it’s been a long time).
July 19th, 2010 at 7:46 am
Aarti -Love watching you on Food Network Star! Your presence exudes everything that is a star!
Another gluten free idea – you can use Rice Krispies cereal for a breading/binding agent…
Hope you have a great week!
July 19th, 2010 at 7:48 am
Hi Aarti!
I am sooo hoping you will win TNFNS! Last night, when you were in the bottom, I was so nervous! But you were safe! I read that you are a christian (so exciting!) and you are sensitive to gluten just like me! Also, where do you get your clothes? They are so indian and gorgeous! I love them! You are such a sweet person, never mean about or to anyone and you are just incredible! Anytime the theme comes on and you pop up I always say “COME TO AARTIS PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Yeah… I get alot of weird looks from my mom
Sincerely Sara
PS: PLEASE check out my blog! Sometimes I post recipes! Like my enchiladas!
July 19th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Hi Aarti!
Just wanted to encourage you and also let you know that I think you are doing a fabulous job on NFNS. I so hope you win…If you had your own show on FN the things I could learn from you! Be encouraged and believe in yourself…I know I believe that you can do it!!!!
A sister in Christ,
Nili
July 19th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Congrats on the rescue and totally can relate to your post. I recently was trying to make eggplant pancakes, but did not turn out the way I want it and changed out the entire recipe. My husband loved it so much that he does not want me to publish recipe. He wants to hold on the recipe for his dream restaurant.
July 20th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Like everyone else… I LOVE you on NFNS, and am definitely cheering for you! I’m so excited to find your blog – my MIL is gluten-free as well, and I”m always on the lookout for ideas for when they come to visit. We already eat salmon cakes a couple times per month, and this will be so easy to incorporate!
July 20th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Yay for the brilliant save! Those plates are too cute and those pretzels are a serious find. I’ll have to pass them on to my friend who’s a celiac and always looking for bread substitutes of all kinds.
July 20th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
You are the best!!! I think your food network show should be just like your blog with the slapstick and all. There is nothing like it on air yet. AND, my whole family has celiac disease/gluten intolerance. I am so pleasantly surprised to see you using gluten free products in your baking. It is still tough finding all my favorites but the pretzels, what a great idea and I couldn’t tell those apart from the ‘regular’ kind either!!! Keep up the good work! Praying for you daily!
July 21st, 2010 at 5:36 am
Hi Aarti!!
You have been my favorite (and my husbands too) from the very beginning of NFS!!! You are by far the most LIKABLE contestant…and we absolutely love Indian food!! Your dishes always look sublime!! I can’t wait to see your new show…after you win, of course. By the way, to find out you were a blogger before, just puts icing on the Aarti Cake! Best Wishes!!
July 21st, 2010 at 10:49 am
Good luck with Food Network Star. I’ve been watching most of them. You’re lovely to watch, sort of the Grace Kelly of the bunch, with giggles.
July 21st, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Those pretzels are great. I use them for breading all the time. Works great.
July 26th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Aghhh!! I haven’t popped in here for a while and I when I return I saw your post on quinoa AND this! Looove the gluten free tips…I rooting for you, so you can share your gluten free modifications on your own Food Network show!
Annnnnd…..you’re totally getting spotlighted on my blog! Hooray for Glutino pretzels!
August 14th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Aarti, I was so excited to find your blog! I think you’re a natural food personality and whether or not you win The Next Food Network Star, there is definitely greatness in your future.
On to the point of my comment. Are you a gluten free cook?!?! (I have to assume so, since I can’t imagine why anyone would choose to cook GF unless by necessity.) I am also a GF cook. My boyfriend has Celiac Disease and since I love him and love to cook – I’ve jumped head first into the GF lifestyle. I’m intrigued to know if all of the food you make on the show is GF? My boyfriend (who is the sweetest) always says, “Babe, you could win NFNS! You have such a unique POV!” But I told him there doesn’t seem to be a place on Food Network for GF cooking that’s not also vegan, non-dairy, etc. Getting to the point – I’m dying to know if you are a true GF cook! (Wait, chef? are you a chef?!) If you are, you are my hero and I can’t wait to set my Tivo to record Aarti Paarti! Also, when does your cook book come out?! I happen to LOVE Indian food and can’t wait to try all of your recipes!
Thank you, Aarti, for coming into my life. I wish you all the best!
August 15th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Dear Aarti,
I am soooo happy for you in your winnings!!!! You are amazing! So calm and collected; I can’t wait to watch your show!
Lots of love,
Jane <3
P.S. I love your accent, too!!
August 23rd, 2010 at 9:24 am
Wow, as if I didn’t love you enough, now you’re GF?? I’ve been dying for someone on food network to bring some attention to GF. The only real thing I’ve seen is a few years ago Alton Brown made GF chocolate chip cookies. Congrats on the win and looking forward to maybe seeing some GF recipes on your new show.
PS – If you’re looking for really good GF bread I highly suggest Udi’s or The Grainless Baker.
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:43 pm
You know gluten-free TOO? I knew I adored you! I am so excited to watch and learn. Congratulations and God bless!