Bite with Belkys: Salmon Ballotine

The Chef: Marc Debas
The Restaurant: Acqualina Resort and Spa in Sunny Isles.
The Dish: Salmon Ballotine

Ingredients for Salmon Ballotine:

4 (8-ounce) salmon fillets
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
10 oz. of softened goat cheese
1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, diced
1/2 bunch chives
juice of one lemon
4 leeks

Method of preparation:

-Start by cutting the salmon portion on a 25 degree angle from the center toward the thicker side. Then, stop one inch from the edge to make the fillet longer and thinner. Cut the extra piece on the other side. Make sure to season with salt and pepper.

-Next, Chef Marc likes to coat a ring mold with a non-stick cooking spray. He adds parchment paper around the interior and places the salmon inside. Use the extra piece of fish for the bottom.

-Now, move on to the filling. Mix softened goat cheese with chopped chives, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, pepper and lemon juice.

-Then, sauté chopped leeks in a hot pan with 2 ounces of butter.

-Fill the center of the fish with sautéed leeks and the goat cheese mixture.

-Let it cook in a 360 degree oven for about 15 minutes. Chef Marc says if you don't have a ring mold, you can cover the stuffed salmon in saran wrap and poach it.

Ingredients for the champagne sauce:

4 shallots, minced
2 oz. of butter
1 1/2 cups champagne
1/2 qt. of heavy cream
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1 Tbs. of fish base
1/2 bunch chives

Method of preparation:

-First, sauté the shallots in a hot pan with 2 ounces of butter, until golden brown.

-Then, pour in some champagne and let it educe by half.

-Next, add heavy cream, salt, pepper and fish base (or fish stock).

-Lastly, cook for another 15 minutes or until thickened, and then add the chives.

To Plate:

Serve the champagne sauce on the side. You can garnish with chopped chives, an edible orchid and crisp mesclun.

Serving Suggestion: Chardonnay

Serves: 4

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Acqualina Resort & Spa
17875 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33160
(866) 748-5324
www.acqualinaresort.com