Smoked Mackerel Pâté

Polish Smoked Mackerel Pâté Recipe with Cream Cheese and Horseradish

Region / culture: Poland | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Smoked Mackerel Pâté is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a starter, snack, or even as a main course. This creamy and flavorful spread is perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying on your own.

History

Smoked Mackerel Pâté has been a popular dish in British cuisine for many years. Mackerel is a common fish found in the waters surrounding the UK, and smoking it gives it a rich and distinctive flavor. The combination of smoked mackerel with cream cheese and other ingredients creates a delicious spread that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 plain fillets of smoked mackerel
1 (250 g) container of Philadelphia cream cheese or 1 soft cream cheese
2 tbsp of double cream
2 tbsp of lemon juice (or sour cream as a substitute for both the double cream and lemon juice)
salt
cayenne pepper
nutmeg
2 tsp of horseradish sauce
1 tbsp of finely grated onions

How to prepare

Remove the skins from the mackerel fillets.
Place the ingredients in a blender and blend until the desired consistency is achieved (it should be fairly smooth, but with some thickness).
Add lemon juice or cream to taste, as desired.

Variations

Add chopped fresh herbs such as dill or chives for extra flavor.
Mix in some chopped capers or olives for a briny twist.
Substitute the mackerel with smoked salmon for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the skins from the mackerel fillets before blending them with the other ingredients.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and cream to suit your taste preferences.

- For a spicier pâté, add more cayenne pepper or horseradish sauce.

- Serve the pâté with crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks for a delicious appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Smoked Mackerel Pâté on crackers, toast, or vegetable sticks for a tasty appetizer or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Blend the ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the mackerel with smoked salmon or trout.

- Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter version of the pâté.

Make Ahead Tips

Smoked Mackerel Pâté can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pâté with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprig of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Smoked Mackerel Pâté with a crisp white wine or a glass of champagne for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pâté in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Smoked Mackerel Pâté contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Smoked Mackerel Pâté contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Smoked Mackerel Pâté contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Smoked Mackerel Pâté contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Smoked Mackerel is a good source of vitamins B12 and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and dairy (cream cheese), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Smoked Mackerel Pâté is a rich source of proteins and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and delicious option for a snack or meal.

Summary

Smoked Mackerel Pâté is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this tasty spread on crackers, toast, or vegetable sticks for a satisfying snack or appetizer.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Smoked Mackerel Pâté. It was a cool autumn day, the leaves were falling outside my kitchen window, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had found at a flea market. The pages were yellowed and brittle, but the recipes inside were a treasure trove of culinary delights.

As I turned the pages, a particular recipe caught my eye. It was for a Smoked Mackerel Pâté, a dish I had never heard of before. Intrigued, I read through the ingredients and instructions, imagining the rich, smoky flavor of the mackerel mixed with creamy pâté. I knew I had to try it.

I set out to gather the ingredients the next day, visiting the local fish market to pick up some fresh smoked mackerel. The fishmonger smiled when I asked for it, telling me it was a popular choice among his customers. I also picked up some cream cheese, lemon juice, and a few herbs to round out the flavors.

Back in my kitchen, I set to work preparing the dish. I carefully flaked the smoked mackerel, removing any bones and skin, and added it to a bowl with the cream cheese. I squeezed in some fresh lemon juice for a bit of brightness, and sprinkled in some chopped herbs for added depth of flavor.

As I mixed everything together, the pungent aroma of the smoked mackerel filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the finished pâté.

After letting it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, I eagerly spread some of the pâté on a piece of crusty bread. The first bite was a revelation. The smokiness of the mackerel paired perfectly with the creamy texture of the pâté, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I knew I had stumbled upon something special with this recipe. Over the years, I have made it countless times for family gatherings, dinner parties, and just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time, it never fails to delight and impress.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover this wonderful recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the cookbook that sparked my curiosity and the fishmonger who guided me in the right direction. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express love and creativity in the form of delicious meals shared with loved ones.

And so, I will continue to cherish this recipe for Smoked Mackerel Pâté, passing it down to future generations in the hopes that they too will experience the same sense of wonder and joy that I felt when I first laid eyes on it. Cooking is a gift that keeps on giving, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love for it with those around me.