Prepare to delight your senses and impress your guests with this utterly delicious Asparagus Ragout in a Puff Pastry Bowl! This sophisticated yet surprisingly simple dish combines tender white asparagus and succulent smoked salmon in a rich, creamy sauce, all nestled within a light, flaky puff pastry shell. It’s an elegant starter or a luxurious brunch item that promises a delightful blend of soft, earthy asparagus and vibrant, salty salmon.

More than just a recipe, this is an experience. It’s not only incredibly tasty and straightforward to prepare, but its presentation is also absolutely stunning. This makes it an ideal choice for a festive spring dinner, whether you’re celebrating Mother’s Day, Easter, or simply hosting friends for a memorable meal. Get ready to elevate your culinary repertoire with a dish that looks as good as it tastes!

Why This Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Ragout is Your Next Go-To Spring Dish

What could be more enjoyable than gathering around a table with cherished family or dear friends, sharing laughter and an unforgettable meal? And today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that perfectly embodies that joy: our exquisite Asparagus Ragout with Smoked Salmon. This dish is a true celebration of spring, featuring delicate white asparagus paired with luxurious salty smoked salmon, all bound together in a velvety, creamy sauce. It’s not just delicious; it’s elegant, full of flavor, and an absolutely lovely choice for a refined starter or an impressive brunch centerpiece.

The last time I served this dish, it was an undeniable hit. Plates were not just cleaned; they were practically scraped empty! The enthusiastic requests for the recipe confirmed its popularity, so here it is, ready for you to recreate and enjoy. I can confidently say this will be gracing my table much more often, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your household too.

If you’re a fan of rich, comforting ragout dishes, you might also adore this shrimp ragout recipe, which offers another delightful take on a classic. But for a truly special spring experience, read on for the full details of this asparagus and salmon masterpiece.

Essential Ingredients for Your Asparagus Ragout in Puff Pastry Bowls

Crafting this elegant Asparagus Ragout in a Puff Pastry Bowl requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that harmonize beautifully. You’ll find the precise quantities conveniently listed in the recipe card at the very bottom of this blog post. But first, let’s delve into the stars of our dish and understand what makes them so special:

• White Asparagus: The star of the show! White asparagus is distinct from its green counterpart. It boasts a slightly softer texture and a milder, more delicate flavor. Its taste profile is often described as subtly sweet and nutty, with a gentle, almost imperceptible bitter undertone. When cooked correctly, white asparagus achieves a wonderfully tender yet fibrous consistency, melting into a creamy texture that is truly a delight. Its seasonal availability makes this dish a true spring treat.
• Flour and Butter: These two form the foundation of our rich and creamy sauce by creating a classic roux. The key to a perfect roux is to melt the butter completely before incorporating the flour all at once. It’s then crucial to cook this mixture for about two minutes, stirring constantly. This step ensures that the raw flour taste is cooked out, leaving you with a smooth, flavorful base for your ragout.
• Smoked Salmon: For this recipe, we specifically recommend using cold smoked salmon. Its delicate texture and pronounced salty, savory flavor perfectly complement the mildness of the white asparagus and the richness of the cream sauce. It adds a luxurious touch and a depth of umami that elevates the entire dish.
• Cream: A vital component for achieving that signature velvety, creamy consistency and rich mouthfeel in the ragout sauce. It binds the flavors together and provides a luscious backdrop for the other ingredients.
• Dried Dill: This aromatic herb, derived from the dried seeds, leaves, or stems of the dill plant, offers a unique flavor profile. It imparts a slightly sweet, lemony, and subtly vinegary taste that pairs exceptionally well with both asparagus and salmon, adding a fresh, herbaceous note to the ragout.
• Puff Pastry Bowls: Known as “pasteibakjes” in Dutch cuisine, these are exquisite bowls made from flaky puff pastry, designed with a hollow cavity perfect for filling with delicious ragout. You have the option to purchase them ready-made for convenience, or for an extra touch of homemade charm and flavor, you can easily create them yourself using this fantastic puff pastry shell recipe. Their light, buttery crunch provides a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy ragout.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Luxurious Salmon and Asparagus Ragout

Creating this gourmet starter might seem intimidating, but with these clear, detailed steps, you’ll find it incredibly straightforward. For a convenient, printable version of this recipe with all precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card located at the very end of this blog post. Let’s get cooking!

1. Prepare the Asparagus and Broth: Begin by washing your white asparagus thoroughly. Gently peel the outer layer of each spear and carefully remove the tough, woody ends at the bottom. These peels and woody bits are packed with flavor! Place them into a large saucepan along with your water and a pinch of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, creating a flavorful broth. Once boiling, carefully add the peeled asparagus spears to the hot liquid and cook for about 8 minutes, or until they are tender yet still hold a slight bite. This method ensures perfectly cooked asparagus and a rich base for your sauce.
2. Reserve Liquid and Dice Asparagus: From the saucepan, carefully remove 300 ml (approximately 1 ¼ cups) of the asparagus cooking liquid and set it aside; this will be the base for your ragout. You can discard the remaining liquid, peels, and woody ends. Remove the cooked asparagus spears from the pan and allow them to cool slightly, making them easier to handle. Once cooled, cut the asparagus into uniform ½ inch (1 cm) pieces.
3. Make the Roux: In a separate, clean saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted and slightly shimmering, add the all-purpose flour all at once. Stir continuously with a spatula, frying the mixture for exactly 2 minutes. This is your roux. Be diligent in stirring to ensure it doesn’t brown; we want a light, creamy sauce, not a dark one. The cooking time for the flour is crucial to eliminate any raw flour taste.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Now, switch to a whisk. Gradually, and while continuously whisking, pour in the reserved asparagus cooking liquid (your flavorful asparagus broth) into the roux. Whisk vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming, ensuring a silky-smooth sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This simmering time allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.
5. Combine and Season: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the cream, the cut asparagus pieces, and three-quarters of your smoked salmon strips. Gently fold everything together. Add the dried dill, then season the ragout generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed to your preference.
6. Prepare and Serve: If using store-bought puff pastry shells, bake them according to the package instructions until golden and flaky. If you’ve opted to make your own from scratch, ensure they are pre-baked and ready. Carefully fill each warm puff pastry bowl with a generous portion of the creamy asparagus and salmon ragout. Garnish each serving with the remaining smoked salmon strips and a sprinkle of fresh dill, if desired, for an extra touch of elegance and flavor. Serve immediately while the pastry is still warm and crisp, and the ragout is wonderfully hot.

Tips for Success, Smart Substitutions, and Delicious Variations

To ensure your Asparagus Ragout in Puff Pastry Bowls turns out perfectly every time, and to give you options to customize it to your taste or dietary needs, here are some invaluable tips, substitutions, and variations:

• Elevate the Herb Flavor: While dried dill is wonderful, this ragout is also absolutely delicious with fresh dill, which offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or a hint of rosemary for different aromatic profiles. Chop fresh herbs finely and stir them in at the very end for maximum impact.
• Smoked Salmon Alternatives: If smoked salmon isn’t available or you prefer a different protein, you have several excellent options. Consider using finely flaked cooked cod for a milder seafood flavor, or delicately poached salmon for a fresh, less salty alternative. Cooked shrimp or even shredded cooked chicken breast could also work beautifully, offering versatility for various palates.
• Asparagus Variety: While white asparagus provides a unique, delicate sweetness, green asparagus can certainly be used as a substitute. If using green asparagus, you may reduce the cooking time slightly, as it tends to be more tender. Green asparagus will also lend a more vibrant color to your ragout.
• Make it Lighter: For a slightly lighter version, you can replace a portion of the cream with milk or a plant-based milk alternative (like oat or almond milk, ensuring it’s unsweetened). You might need to adjust the flour slightly to maintain the desired thickness.
• Add a Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest at the end can brighten the flavors of the ragout beautifully, cutting through the richness of the cream and complementing the salmon and dill.
• Spice it Up (Gently): For a subtle kick, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or white pepper can be added to the sauce along with the salt and pepper.
• Puff Pastry Bowls: Remember that homemade puff pastry bowls offer an unmatched flakiness and buttery flavor. If you have the time, I highly recommend trying the puff pastry shell recipe linked in the ingredients section. It’s surprisingly quick and easy to make them yourself!

Share Your Creations & Find More Culinary Inspiration!

I absolutely adore seeing your culinary masterpieces! If you’ve tried your hand at this delightful Asparagus Ragout in a Puff Pastry Bowl recipe, please don’t hesitate to share it. Tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram! I love to see how your beautiful creations turn out and frequently share the most stunning photos from my community. Your feedback and photos truly inspire me and fellow home cooks.

Did you love this recipe? Your opinion matters immensely! Please take a moment to leave a rating on the recipe card below. Your valuable feedback helps not only me but also countless other home cooks who are looking for their next favorite dish.

Hungry for more culinary inspiration?

• You can find an array of captivating video recipes on my YouTube channel, perfect for visual learners.
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Asparagus Ragout in a Puff Pastry Bowl

Andréa

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