Description
This creamy and flavorful mackerel paté combines smoked mackerel fillets with soft cheese, fresh lemon, and herbs to create a perfect savory spread. It’s quick to prepare, chilled to blend flavors, and served with warm, buttered toast for an elegant appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 250g – 300g ready-to-eat smoked mackerel fillets
- 165g soft cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp horseradish sauce
- 15g fresh parsley, chives, or dill, finely chopped
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
To Serve
- Toast and butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Mackerel: Remove the skin from the smoked mackerel fillets and break the flesh into small pieces using your fingers or a fork.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the broken-up mackerel with soft cheese, lemon zest, and horseradish sauce. Mix thoroughly with a fork until well blended.
- Season and Add Lemon Juice: Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add lemon juice gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve the desired tanginess.
- Incorporate Herbs and Chill: Stir in most of the finely chopped herbs, reserving a little for garnish. Cover the paté and refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld until ready to serve.
- Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the paté with a pinch of cayenne pepper if using, and garnish with the remaining herbs. Serve alongside warm buttered toast for an irresistible starter or snack.
Notes
- Use soft cheese like cream cheese or fromage frais for a smooth texture.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper.
- Horseradish sauce adds a nice warmth, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
- For a smoother texture, you can briefly pulse the mixture in a food processor, but keep some chunks for texture.
- This paté can be made up to a day ahead; its flavors improve when chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: smoked mackerel paté, fish spread, easy appetizer, smoked fish recipe, no-cook paté
