Salty Log with Sea Flavors: Crab, Smoked Salmon & Gambas

Ingredients

  • 200g Crab meat (fresh or canned)
  • 150g Smoked Salmon, thinly sliced
  • 150g Gambas (shrimp), cooked and peeled
  • 100g Cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 50g Mascarpone cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Capers, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Sea salt flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/2 tablespoon Sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the seafood:
    • If using fresh crab meat, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and free of shells. If using canned crab, drain and fluff it with a fork.
    • Cook the gambas (shrimp) if not pre-cooked, peel them, and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
    • Slice the smoked salmon thinly.
  2. Make the creamy base:
    • In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and mascarpone cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
    • Add lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and chopped capers to the cheese mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
  3. Add the seafood:
    • Gently fold the crab meat, smoked salmon slices, and chopped gambas into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to break up the seafood too much, keeping a chunky texture.
  4. Shape the salty log:
    • Lay out a piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface.
    • Spoon the seafood and cheese mixture onto the wrap and carefully shape it into a log, ensuring it’s tightly packed.
  5. Chill the log:
    • Wrap the seafood log tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until it firms up.
  6. Prepare garnish:
    • Just before serving, drizzle olive oil over the top of the log.
    • Sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds (if using), fresh dill, and parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
  7. Serve:
    • Slice the salty log into thick slices and serve chilled as an appetizer or as part of a seafood platter. Enjoy with crisp crackers or toasted bread.

This recipe delivers an elegant, flavorful appetizer with a perfect balance of salty, creamy, and fresh sea flavors.

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