That smoked mackerel from McConnell’s served me well. I used one of the fillets – which cost just €1.50 – to make a big chunk of Smoked Mackerel Pate. Taking all of about three minutes, this pate is great for sandwiches, as a light meal, or with dips for a starter or snack. There’s enough here for four sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 smoked mackerel fillet
- 4 tbsp creme fraiche
- 55g butter, softened
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper
- Spring onions, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a food processor, whizz the smoked mackerel with half of the creme fraiche until pureed.
- Add the butter and blitz again, then add the lemon juice and the remaining creme fraiche and blend again. Season to taste.
- Put the pate in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate.
- If you like your pate a little bit sharper, add some horseradish sauce, snipped chives, or Dijon mustard.
Some Serving Suggestions
- For lunch: Spread some pate on bread for a simple sandwich. Or for a feast of healthy fats, add some mashed avacado with a bit of salt. If you like people to recoil in horror at your breath then have your sandwich with some chopped onion or spring onion, and slices of tomato.
- For a starter or snack: Scoop it up with some crackers, melba toast, carrot or celery sticks.
- For a light meal: Serve a big chunk of pate with crackers, sliced vegetables, and a side salad.