Not your Mama's Salmon Patties

Growing up Salmon Patties were always one of those groan inducing meals (as in - eww Mom, really Salmon Patties?). Well looking back, salmon patties really weren't all that bad, they were just easy to pick on, kind of like meatloaf.

Turns out Joe had them growing up too, and similar to my family, they were made using canned salmon. He wasn't thrilled when I told him what we were having for dinner, especially when I told him it was a healthy recipe too. Turned out he loved them - it does help that there is no canned salmon involved in the dish : ) So much so that as I am posting these a week later and he saw the photo on the computer he reiterated how much he liked them!

I loved this recipe not only because it was delicious, but yes it was healthy as well AND a great way to stretch your dollar! Because the base of the patties are potatoes, 1 serving of salmon is more than enough for two people.

Salmon and Potato Cakes with Mixed Greens

***Recipe note - I reduced the amount of oil used in the original recipe and substituted 2% milk for the heavy cream.***

Original recipe - from myrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
• salt
• 1/2 onion, grated
• .5 pound skinless salmon fillets
• pepper
• 3/4 cups water
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 scallions, white bulbs only, chopped
• 2 tablespoons dill
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon red- or white-wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 pound mixed salad greens (about 4 quarts)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)

Preparation

1. Brush the bottom of a large deep frying pan with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Put the potatoes in the pan and sprinkle with salt. Top with the onion and then the salmon. Sprinkle with another layer of salt and pepper over the salmon. Add the water to the pan, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the salmon and potatoes are done, about 15 minutes.

2. Remove the salmon and flake. Drain the potatoes well and put in a medium bowl. Add the milk and mash, leaving the potatoes fairly chunky. Add the salmon, more pepper to taste, the scallions, and half of the dill. Form the mixture into four cakes.

3. Wipe out the frying pan. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and heat over moderately high heat. Add half the salmon cakes to the pan and brown well on both sides, about 5 minutes in all. Drain on paper towels and repeat with another tablespoon oil and the remaining salmon cakes.

4. In a medium glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, and the remaining dill and salt and pepper to taste. Add the olive oil slowly, whisking. Add the greens, toss, and put on plates. Top each salad with two salmon cakes and a lemon wedge.