Ingredients

  • 4 long green onions
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, cut in half
  • 4 slices of red onions, 1" thick
  • 4 slices of eggplant, 1" thick
  • 4 slices of zucchini, 1" thick
  • 4 slices of yellow squash, 1" thick
  • 1 red pepper cut into fourths
  • 1 yellow pepper cut into fourths
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Essence
  • 1 cup mashed potatoes
  • 2 cups flaked smoked salmon, about 1 pound
  • 2 tablespoons minced shallots
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 teaspoons capers
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 4 teaspoons Essence
  • Juice of one lemon
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 egg, beaten, plus 2 tablespoons milk
  • Olive oil for frying
  • 1/2 cup sizzled leeks
  • Essence
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Method

  • Preheat the grill.
  • Season the vegetables with the olive oil and Essence.
  • Place on the grill and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
  • Remove from the grill.
  • Julienne the eggplant, zucchini, squash and peppers.
  • Separate the onions into rings.
  • Leave the green onions and tomatoes whole.
  • Season the vegetables with salt and pepper.
  • Set aside.
  • For the smoked salmon cakes: In a food processor, combine the potatoes, salmon, shallots, garlic, capers, Dijon, parsley, 1 to 2 teaspoons of Essence, lemon juice, salt and pepper, egg, cream, and 1/2 cup bread crumbs.
  • Process for 20 seconds.
  • Shape the mixture into 8 (1/4 cup per cake) cakes.
  • Season the flour with 1 teaspoon of Essence and the bread crumbs with the remaining Essence.
  • Dredge the cakes in the flour.
  • Dip into the egg wash, removing any excess liquid.
  • Dredge each cake in the seasoned breadcrumbs.
  • In a large pan, heat the oil.
  • When the oil is smoking hot, fry each cake on each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden, remove from the oil and drain on a paper-lined plate.
  • Transfer to a serving plate and top with lemon dill sauce.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Yield: about 2/3 cup