SALMON AND SCALLOP TERRINE WITH FRISEE SALAD

This update on a classic terrine is made with an aromatic broth and olive oil instead of cream. If you're short on time, don't bother with the leek lining — though it is pretty, the terrine works fine without it.

INGREDIENTS

For terrine
2 long medium-thick leeks
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup chopped onion (1/2 small)
2 tablespoons finely chopped carrot
4 long fresh cilantro sprigs plus 2 tablespoons chopped leaves
2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon coriander seeds, toasted and crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/3 lb salmon fillet, skin, pin bones, and any dark flesh discarded
2/3 lb medium sea scallops (about 13), tough muscle removed from side of each if necessary
1 large egg white, lightly beaten (2 tablespoons)
6 tablespoons mild olive oil

For salad
2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 lb frisée (French curly endive), torn into bite-size pieces (4 cups)
2 Belgian endives, halved lengthwise, cored, and sliced crosswise
1 cup thinly sliced radicchio leaves (from 1 head)
1 teaspoon fleur de sel or kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds, toasted and crushed 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

Special equipment: a 1-qt loaf pan (preferably 8 by 4 inches; about 2 1/4 inches deep); a kitchen scale (optional)

PREPARATION

Prepare leeks and broth for terrine:
Discard any discolored leaves from leeks, then cut off root end (to expose layers) and discard. Thinly slice enough of dark green ends to measure 1/4 cup. Wash sliced leeks well and reserve for broth. Keep remainder of leeks (for lining) separately.

Bring wine and water to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan with sliced leeks, onion, carrot, cilantro sprigs, 1 tablespoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon white pepper, then simmer, partially covered, 20 minutes. Pour broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on and then discarding solids. (You will have 1 to 1 1/2 cups broth.) Set bowl in a larger bowl of ice and cold water and chill broth until cold, 5 to 10 minutes.

While broth is simmering, slit 1 side of each leek lengthwise, cutting only to center, and peel off layers. Rinse layers in warm water to remove any grit, then cook in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer with tongs to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking, then spread layers flat on paper towels and pat dry.

Make terrine:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 325°F.

Lightly oil loaf pan, then line bottom and long sides of pan by draping some of leeks crosswise over bottom and up long sides of pan, allowing at least 1 inch of leeks to hang over each side.

Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes, then weigh on scale (if using) with enough scallops (about 3) to total 1/2 lb and set aside together.

Purée remaining 1/2 lb scallops (about 10) with 1 tablespoon egg white, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon white pepper in a food processor until smooth. Add 1/2 cup cooled broth and blend well. With motor running, add 3 tablespoons oil in a slow stream until incorporated. Transfer scallop purée to lined terrine with a rubber spatula and smooth top evenly.

Stir together chopped cilantro leaves, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and remaining tablespoon ginger and 1/2 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over scallop purée.

Purée salmon and scallop mixture with remaining tablespoon egg white, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon white pepper in processor until smooth. Add 1/2 cup cooled broth and blend well. With motor running, add remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a slow stream until incorporated. Spoon salmon purée evenly over herb mixture to fill terrine, then smooth top. Fold leeks over purée to cover, filling in any bare spots with additional pieces of remaining leeks. Cover surface of terrine with an oiled piece of wax paper or parchment (oiled side down).

Put loaf pan in a larger baking pan and bake in a hot water bath until terrine is just cooked through (terrine will be firm to the touch and will separate easily from sides of pan), about 30 minutes. Let terrine stand in loaf pan on a rack at least 15 minutes before unmolding.

Make salad while terrine stands:
Whisk together vinegar, salt, and white pepper, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking until combined well. 3Toss frisée, endive, and radicchio in a large bowl with just enough vinaigrette to coat.

To serve:
Divide salad among 8 plates, then unmold terrine (warm or at room temperature) and cut into 8 slices. Divide among plates, then drizzle with remaining vinaigrette and sprinkle with fleur de sel, crushed coriander seeds, and cilantro.

Cooks' notes:
• Broth can be made 1 day ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered, or frozen in an airtight container 1 month.
• Leeks for lining terrine can be cooked 1 day ahead and chilled, layers rolled up in paper towels, in a sealed plastic bag.
• Terrine can be assembled, but not cooked, 3 hours ahead and chilled, covered.
• Terrine can be cooked 1 day ahead if serving at room temperature. Cool in pan, uncovered, then unmold and chill, covered with plastic wrap. Bring to room temperature before serving (this will take about 1 hour).
• Vinaigrette can be made 6 hours ahead and chilled, covered. Salad greens can be prepared 6 hours ahead and chilled separately in sealed plastic bags. Makes 8 servings.