French-Canadian Salmon Pie

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter or lard until mixture is an even crumbly texture. Add cold water a tablespoon at a time and mix until dough comes together.

Step 2

Shape the dough into a disc, wrap, and chill in the refrigerator. While pastry is chilling, prepare filling.

Step 3

Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut into chunks and boil in a medium size pot of water until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain, mash the potatoes, and set aside.

Step 4

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, and sauté until they are softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the 1/2-cup of water to the skillet.

Step 6

Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper, and place it into the skillet skin side down.

Step 7

Spoon liquid and onions over the salmon, cover the skillet, and cook until the salmon is opaque, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the salmon cool slightly.

Step 8

Remove the skin and break the salmon into pieces. Add the salmon, onions, and poaching liquid to the mashed potatoes and mix to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 10

On a lightly floured surface, divide dough in half and form two balls. Flatten one ball with your hands, and roll dough to about 12-inches in diameter, to fit a 9-inch pie pan.

Step 11

Place the pastry into the pie plate and add the salmon pie filling. Gently pat the filling down to remove any air spaces.

Step 12

Brush around the outer edge of the pastry with the beaten egg. Roll out the top pastry and place on top of the pie filling.

Step 13

Fold the top crust under the bottom crust and pinch the edges. Brush with egg wash and cut vent holes.

Step 14

Bake the salmon pie in a preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. While the salmon pie is baking, make the dill béchamel sauce.

Step 15

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add milk stirring constantly. When sauce begins to thicken, add the lemon juice, dill, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2 minutes. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Step 16

Remove the pie from oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Cut into pie wedges, drizzle with the dill sauce if desired, and serve warm.

Step 17

Yield: Makes 1 pie, about 8 servings.