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Smoked mackerel tartare

This is a very quick and easy, dairy-free alternative to smoked mackerel pâté. And I prefer it. Spread it on rye crispbreads for a fast but deeply satisfying lunch, or pack it up in a lunchbox.

Method

Flake the mackerel off the skin and put it into a bowl or on to a board.

Add the eggs and cornichons, the mayonnaise, most of the dill or parsley and some black pepper.

Chop the ingredients together and mix well but without breaking them up too much.

I simply use the blade of my chopping knife to lift, combine and chop the ingredients fairly coarsely on a board, for a nice chunky texture.

Taste the tartare and add lemon juice and a little more black pepper if you like. (The smoked mackerel usually contributes enough salt.)

Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with the remaining dill or parsley and a little more black pepper and serve, with crispbreads or oatcakes.

Or for a lighter version that makes a great canapé, serve piled on to crisp Little Gem lettuce leaves.

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Ingredients

  • 2 smoked mackerel fillets
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
  • 4 cornichons (or 1 large gherkin)
  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • About 1 tablespoon roughly chopped dill or parsley
  • A squeeze of lemon juice
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Oatcakes, crispbreads or Little Gem lettuce, to serve

This recipe is taken from...

River Cottage Light and Easy