BEET- AND HORSERADISH-CURED SALMON

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Beet- and Horseradish-Cured Salmon image

This is a good first foray into curing because the process is simple and relatively quick and the reward considerable. Thanks to the beets, the color on the outside of the salmon is a deep, rich fuchsia. And don't be afraid to use fresh horseradish if you can find it; just be careful.

Provided by Ian Fisher

Categories     project, main course

Time P3DT30m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

6 ounces horseradish, grated fresh, or prepared, well drained
1 salmon fillet, about 3 pounds, skin on
1 pound red beets, raw, peeled and grated, juice included
1 large bunch fresh dill, roughly chopped
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons/5 ounces granulated sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons/6 ounces kosher salt (See note.)
1/4 cup/1 ounce cracked black pepper

Steps:

  • If using fresh horseradish, peel, cut into chunks and process in a food processor, using the steel blade. Do not grate it by hand; the fumes will be overpowering. Drape the food processor with a damp towel and carefully crack the lid, under the towel, to absorb the fumes.
  • Remove pin bones from salmon and set aside. In a large stainless steel or glass bowl, combine horseradish and remaining ingredients, wearing gloves to avoid turning your hands purple.
  • Choose a nonreactive pan that is just large enough to hold the salmon fillet or line a pan with plastic wrap. Drizzle a little of the beet mixture on pan and place the salmon, skin-side down, on top. Cover the flesh with remaining beet mixture, making it thinner on tail and belly section and thicker everywhere else.
  • Cover with plastic wrap, place another pan on top, and weight with cans. Cure in refrigerator for 3 days.
  • Gently scrape off beet mixture and discard. Cut salmon in thin slices and serve. Whole fillet, well wrapped in plastic, will last 1 week refrigerated.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 176, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 27 grams, Fat 5 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 251 milligrams, Sugar 24 grams

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