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The starter, Regional

Buckwheat galette with smoked salmon

This buckwheat galette with smoked salmon is a Breton starter for 6, made with buckwheat galettes filled with lemony cream and smoked salmon. It takes 40 minutes of active work, can be made in the morning for the evening, rates as medium difficulty, and costs €3.40 per person. The key is reheating the galettes properly before filling them, so they stay pliable without going soft.

A crisp buckwheat galette, folded into a square over smoked salmon and lemony cream, a little trip to Brittany on a plate.

Buckwheat galette with smoked salmon
For
6 people
Work
40 min
Total time
1 h 50
Prep
Prepared the same day
Difficulty
Medium
Cost per person
€3.40
Calories per person
400 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach

Buckwheat galettes have that slightly rustic, nutty flavor, with a thin texture that turns a bit crisp at the edges straight out of the pan. Filled with firm lemony cream and smoked salmon, this dish plays on the contrast between the softness of the fish and the crisp edges of the folded square. It's a starter that tastes of Brittany without needing any fancy plating.

This recipe works well for a dinner with friends or a family meal, especially in fall, winter, or spring when smoked salmon feels right on the table. It fits naturally into a fairly classic menu, followed by a braised dish or roast poultry, and it appeals to adults and kids alike, since most kids already love savory crepes.

The schedule

What happens when, so you can be with your guests instead of in the kitchen.

  1. The day before Nothing to do
  2. The same day 3 steps, 1 h 30
  3. Before the guests arrive 1 step, 10 min
  4. When it's time to serve 1 step

Make the batter and cook the galettes in the morning, then stack them on a plate until evening. Just before your guests arrive, reheat the galettes in a warm oven covered with foil so they stay pliable. Fill each galette with lemony cream and smoked salmon only at serving time, to keep the contrast between soft and crisp.

The ingredients

6 people

Pantry

  • Buckwheat flouroften in the pantry 200 g
  • Wheat flouroften in the pantry 50 g
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Dairy

  • Egg 1
  • Butter 40 g
  • Thick heavy cream 200 g

Fish counter

  • Smoked salmon 240 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Lemon 1
  • Chives 1 bunch

Allergens Fish, Lactose, Eggs, Gluten

The recipe, moment by moment

The same dayDuring the day, whenever you get a moment.

  1. Whisk the two flours with the egg, a pinch of salt and fifty centiliters of water, then let the batter rest. 1 h

    Pour the water in gradually to avoid lumps.

  2. Mix the cream with the lemon zest and juice, the chopped chives, salt and pepper. 5 min

    The lemon thickens the cream, giving it a nice firm texture.

  3. Cook six galettes in a buttered pan and stack them on a plate. 25 min

    Pour the first ladle while swirling the pan, it works as a test.

Before the guests arriveThe last hour, right before the doorbell rings.

  1. Reheat the galettes in a warm oven, covered with foil. 10 min

    Stack them in pairs, they won't dry out.

When it's time to serveThe final touches, right in front of your guests.

  1. Fill each galette with the lemony cream and smoked salmon, then fold the edges into a square.

    Fill the center and leave the edges free for folding.

Our tips to get it right

  • Butter the pan between each galette using a paper towel dipped in melted butter, not too much, or the edges burn before the center cooks through.
  • If your lemony cream releases a little liquid while it waits, drain it lightly before filling, so the galette doesn't turn soggy.
  • Make one or two extra galettes beyond your guest count, the first one usually serves as a test and rarely looks presentable.

The variations

  • Swap the smoked salmon for smoked trout, which is milder and often cheaper, the rest of the recipe stays the same.
  • For a vegetarian version, fill the galettes with fresh goat cheese and sautéed spinach instead of salmon.
  • For kids, serve the galettes plain with just melted grated cheese, and offer the salmon and lemony cream on the side for the adults.

What to serve it with

  • A simple lamb's lettuce salad
  • A cold dry cider
  • A glass of muscadet

Storage

Plain cooked galettes keep for two days in the fridge in a closed container, reheat them in a pan or oven before filling. Once filled with cream and salmon, eat them within the hour, they don't keep. The raw batter doesn't freeze well, it's better to cook the galettes first and freeze them flat if needed.

Questions about this recipe

Can I use only wheat flour instead of buckwheat flour?

No, buckwheat flour is what gives the galette its signature flavor and color. The wheat flour only softens the texture, it can't replace the buckwheat entirely.

How do I keep the galettes from tearing when I fold them?

Let the batter rest at least an hour before cooking, and reheat the galettes just enough to keep them pliable. A galette that's too dry or too cold will crack when you fold the edges.

Can this be served as a main course instead of a starter?

Yes, double the salmon and cream per person, and serve two galettes per guest with a green salad. The cooking time for the galettes stays the same, only the filling increases.

Do I need special equipment to cook buckwheat galettes?

A well-buttered classic crepe pan is enough, no need for a bilig or a wooden spreader. The main thing is to swirl the pan right after pouring the batter so it spreads evenly.

Can a buckwheat galette with smoked salmon be made ahead?

Yes, during the day. The recipe needs 40 min of work in total, split up like this, the same day, 3 steps, before the guests arrive, 1 step, when it's time to serve, 1 step.

How long does it take to make a buckwheat galette with smoked salmon?

Allow 1 h 50 in total, including resting and cooking time, of which 40 min is actual work. The recipe is rated "medium".

How many calories are in a buckwheat galette with smoked salmon?

About 400 kcal per person, for a recipe meant for 6 people. The calories are calculated by Kiloach, your kilo coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a buckwheat galette with smoked salmon cost?

About €3.40 per person, that's €20.40 for 6 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains fish, lactose, eggs, gluten. Remember to ask your guests about their allergies before putting your menu together.

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