Embark on a nostalgic culinary journey with the delightful Asparagus Salmon Pie – a cherished recipe passed down by Shirley Martin from her time living near Yosemite National Park. This heartwarming dish holds a special place in Shirley’s heart as it was a beloved family favorite when her children were young. Today, she continues to prepare it for her husband, guests, and the next generation, including her children and grandchildren.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound fresh asparagus
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 can (14¾ ounces) pink salmon, drained, boned, and flaked
- 1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inches)
PREPARATION:
- Cook the fresh asparagus in a saucepan with enough water to cover until it reaches a crisp-tender texture. Drain the asparagus well, and set aside six spears for garnish. Cut the remaining spears into bite-size pieces.
- In a small saucepan, sauté the chopped onion in butter until tender, and then set it aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the beaten eggs, milk, minced parsley, dried basil, salt, and flaked salmon. Add the sautéed onion to the mixture.
- Place the cut asparagus pieces in the unbaked pastry shell, and then top it with the salmon mixture. Arrange the reserved asparagus spears in a spoke fashion on top of the pie. To prevent over-browning, cover the edges of the crust with foil.
- Bake the pie at 425°F for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set.
YIELD: 6 servings
COOKING TIME: 30 minutes (plus preparation time)
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- To ensure the asparagus is cooked to perfection, avoid overcooking and let it remain crisp-tender.
- If you desire a more robust flavor, consider using smoked salmon in place of pink salmon for an added twist.
You’ve just discovered the heartwarming tale behind Asparagus Salmon Pie – a cherished recipe that holds decades of family memories for Shirley Martin from Fresno, California. This delectable pie, enriched with fresh asparagus, pink salmon, and delightful spices, has delighted generations of her loved ones and guests.
The combination of crisp-tender asparagus, succulent pink salmon, and savory onions creates a harmonious symphony of flavors, bound to captivate your taste buds. Shirley’s thoughtful touch of arranging the asparagus spears in a spoke fashion on top adds a touch of elegance to the dish.
The pastry shell forms a delicious foundation for the pie, providing the perfect canvas for the wholesome ingredients to shine. With the eggs, milk, parsley, basil, and salt, each bite is a delightful medley of taste and textures, bringing forth the best of land and sea.
The beauty of Asparagus Salmon Pie lies not only in its rich flavors but also in the memories it carries. From joyful family dinners near Yosemite National Park to present-day gatherings with loved ones, this pie has been a symbol of love, comfort, and togetherness for the Martin family.
As you prepare this cherished recipe, take a moment to savor the memories and stories it holds. The aroma wafting from the oven will evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making every bite a culinary journey through time.
Gather your ingredients, don your apron, and embrace the joy of creating this Asparagus Salmon Pie. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, welcoming guests, or simply enjoying a cozy dinner with your loved ones, this pie is sure to fill your home with love and the spirit of shared memories.
As you savor the flavors of this timeless dish, let Shirley’s story inspire you to create your own culinary traditions and cherished memories with your family and friends. With each bite of Asparagus Salmon Pie, you’ll be reminded of the enduring power of food to bring joy, comfort, and connection.
