Salmon Pea Wiggle: A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined

Salmon Pea Wiggle. The name itself evokes a sense of retro charm and comforting simplicity. While the term “wiggle” might sound a bit whimsical, it perfectly captures the creamy, jiggly texture of this classic dish. Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen – this is comfort food at its finest, ready in under an hour. In this post, we’ll explore a delicious and updated version of Salmon Pea Wiggle, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch.

## What is Salmon Pea Wiggle?

Traditionally, Pea Wiggle is a cream sauce-based dish, often using canned peas and sometimes carrots, thickened with flour and served over toast, biscuits, or puff pastry shells. Salmon Pea Wiggle takes this concept and elevates it by adding flaky, flavorful salmon. It’s a satisfying and surprisingly elegant way to enjoy a humble meal. The beauty lies in its simplicity and adaptability – you can customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, and vegetables to create a dish that perfectly suits your taste.

## Why Salmon Pea Wiggle is the Perfect Weeknight Meal

In today’s busy world, finding time to cook a nutritious and delicious meal can be a challenge. Salmon Pea Wiggle offers a fantastic solution for several reasons:

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** You likely have many of the ingredients in your pantry already.
* **Nutritious:** Salmon is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins. Peas provide fiber and vitamins, making this a well-rounded meal.
* **Versatile:** Adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Using canned salmon makes this a surprisingly affordable meal option.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The creamy sauce and mild flavor are generally appealing to children, making it a great way to get them to eat their vegetables and salmon.

## The Ultimate Salmon Pea Wiggle Recipe

This recipe offers a modern take on the classic, using fresh ingredients and simple techniques to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed (or two 6-ounce cans of salmon, drained and flaked)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% works best)
* 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
* Cooked toast, biscuits, puff pastry shells, or rice, for serving

**Equipment:**

* Large skillet or saucepan
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Knife

**Instructions**

**Getting Started:**

1. **Prepare the Salmon:** If using fresh salmon, pat it dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cut the salmon into 1-inch pieces. If using canned salmon, drain it well and flake it with a fork, removing any bones or skin.

**Cooking the Salmon (if using fresh):**

2. **Sear the Salmon:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the salmon pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

**Making the Cream Sauce:**

3. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. **Make a Roux:** Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, cooking the flour to remove the raw taste. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce without lumps.
5. **Whisk in the Liquids:** Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce starts to thicken.
6. **Add Flavor:** Stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Bringing it Together:**

7. **Add the Salmon and Peas:** Gently fold in the cooked salmon (or flaked canned salmon) and frozen peas into the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the peas are heated through.
8. **Serve:** Spoon the Salmon Pea Wiggle over toast, biscuits, puff pastry shells, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Use Smoked Salmon:** For a smoky flavor, try using smoked salmon instead of fresh or canned salmon.
* **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté them with the onion and garlic.
* **Cheese, Please!** Add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, or Gruyere cheese to the sauce for a richer, cheesier flavor. Stir until melted.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like dill, thyme, or chives.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour (such as a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch) to make the sauce.
* **Lighter Version:** Use skim milk instead of whole milk to reduce the fat content. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of some of the milk for a tangy flavor and added protein. For a lighter version, skip the roux altogether and use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and whisk it into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of dairy milk. Ensure the broth and Dijon mustard are also dairy-free. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor substitute.
* **Add Lemon:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors of the dish.
* **Don’t Overcook the Salmon:** If using fresh salmon, be careful not to overcook it, as it will become dry and rubbery. It’s better to slightly undercook it, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
* **Toast Variations:** For serving, consider garlic toast, sourdough toast, or whole wheat toast for different flavor profiles.
* **Puff Pastry Perfection:** If using puff pastry shells, bake them according to package directions until golden brown and puffed up. Fill them with the Salmon Pea Wiggle just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

## Serving Suggestions

Salmon Pea Wiggle is delicious served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Toast:** This is the classic way to serve Pea Wiggle. Use your favorite type of bread and toast it until golden brown.
* **Over Biscuits:** Flaky, buttery biscuits complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
* **In Puff Pastry Shells:** For a more elegant presentation, serve the wiggle in pre-made puff pastry shells.
* **Over Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or quinoa are all great options for a heartier meal.
* **With Pasta:** Toss the Salmon Pea Wiggle with cooked pasta (such as egg noodles or penne) for a satisfying twist.
* **Alongside a Salad:** Serve a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the wiggle.

## Make-Ahead Tips

While Salmon Pea Wiggle is best served fresh, you can prepare certain components ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights:

* **Chop the Vegetables:** Chop the onion and garlic ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
* **Cook the Salmon:** You can cook the salmon earlier in the day and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
* **Prepare the Sauce Base:** You can make the cream sauce base (without adding the salmon and peas) up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before adding the salmon and peas.

However, it’s generally not recommended to make the entire dish ahead of time, as the sauce may thicken too much and the peas may become mushy. If you do need to make it in advance, reheat it gently over low heat, adding a little milk or broth if needed to thin the sauce.

## Salmon Pea Wiggle: A Delicious and Nutritious Choice

Salmon Pea Wiggle is more than just a retro dish; it’s a versatile, easy-to-make, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting weekend lunch, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to deliver. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to wiggle your way to a delicious and satisfying meal! Enjoy!

**Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):**

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

**Embrace the Wiggle!**

Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe and make it your own. Add your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a unique and personalized dish. The possibilities are endless! So, embrace the wiggle and rediscover the joy of simple, comforting food.