Food Network: Gravlax

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Gravlax
Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2002

Ingredients
2 cups kosher salt
2 tablespoons cracked black peppercorns
1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
1/2 cup vanilla sugar, recipe follows
2 tablespoons orange zest strips (from 2 oranges)
1 (4 to 4 1/2-pound) side salmon fillet, skin on, pin bones removed, rinsed under cool water, and
patted dry
Sour cream or cream cheese, optional accompaniment
Sieved hard boiled eggs, optional accompaniment
Salmon caviar, optional accompaniment
Minced red onions, optional accompaniment
Chopped parsley, optional accompaniment
Toast points or lightly toasted bagels, optional accompaniment

Directions

Combine the salt, peppercorns, dill, sugar, and zest in a medium-size
mixing bowl. Mix well. Lay a piece of plastic wrap twice the size of the salmon on a flat surface.
Cross another piece of plastic of the same size over the first piece horizontally. Place the salmon
in the center of the pieces of plastic wrap, with the skin side down. Spoon the seasoning mixture
over the top and sides of the salmon. Using your fingers, spread the mixture evenly over the salmon.
No part of the flesh of the fish should be exposed. With the palm of your hand, gently press the
mixture into the salmon. Fold the 2 pieces of plastic wrap very tightly around the salmon, folding
in the ends securely. Wrap the salmon a second time with another large piece of plastic. Place the
wrapped salmon in shallow glass baking dish. Top the salmon with another baking dish. Place 2 heavy
cans or 2 clean, wrapped bricks on the baking sheet to weight the salmon. Refrigerate for 24 to 30
hours, depending upon the thickness of the fish. Remove from the refrigerator and unwrap the salmon
carefully. Discard the wrap and scrape off the seasoning mixture. Rinse the salmon under cold water
to remove the seasoning mixture. Pat dry. To serve, remove 2 inches from the tail of the salmon.
Slice the salmon, at an angle, into paper-thin slices. Serve with accompaniments.

Ingredients
Vanilla Sugar:
1 vanilla beans, split in 1/2 lengthwise and crosswise

4 cups granulated sugar

Directions
In a large container with an airtight closure, place 1/2 of the sugar.
Add the bean quarters and cover with the remaining 2 cups of sugar. Close tightly. Place in a cool,
dark place. Twice a day shake the container to distribute the vanilla essence. Continue the process
for at least 1 week and up to 3 weeks. Replace the sugar as it is used.