Mary Berry’s Mackerel Pâté is a delicious, creamy, and rich spread that’s perfect for an appetizer or a light lunch. With its smoky mackerel flavor balanced by cream cheese and lemon, this pâté is both simple and quick to make, taking only a few minutes to prepare. Whether you serve it with crackers, crusty bread, or as part of a charcuterie board, it’s a versatile dish that’s bound to impress your guests.
What is Mary Berry’s Mackerel Pâté?
Mary Berry’s Mackerel Pâté is a smooth and flavorful spread made primarily with smoked mackerel, cream cheese, and lemon. The pâté is packed with rich, smoky flavors from the mackerel, while the lemon juice adds brightness and freshness. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or an elegant appetizer.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare.
- Packed with Flavor: The smoky mackerel and tangy lemon make for a delicious, well-balanced taste.
- Healthy Option: Mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making this a nutritious choice.
- Versatile: Can be served as a dip, spread, or sandwich filling.
- Elegant Starter: Perfect for dinner parties or gatherings.
- Minimal Ingredients: Simple and easy-to-find ingredients make this recipe accessible.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Mackerel Pâté
- 250g smoked mackerel fillets (skin removed)
- 100g full-fat cream cheese
- 2 tbsp crème fraîche or sour cream
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp horseradish sauce (optional, for extra zing)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish)
- Crusty bread or crackers, for serving
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Mackerel Pâté
- Prepare the Mackerel: Remove the skin from the smoked mackerel fillets and break the fish into chunks. Ensure there are no bones left in the fillets.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, add the smoked mackerel, cream cheese, crème fraîche (or sour cream), lemon juice, and horseradish sauce (if using). Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season the Pâté: Taste the mixture and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Blend again to combine the seasoning evenly.
- Transfer to a Bowl: Scoop the pâté into a serving dish or bowl, using a spatula to smooth the top.
- Chill the Pâté: For best results, refrigerate the pâté for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also serve it immediately if you prefer.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the pâté with freshly chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Mackerel Pâté
- Crusty Bread: Sourdough or French baguette works beautifully for spreading the pâté.
- Crackers: A selection of plain or lightly salted crackers complements the pâté’s rich flavor.
- Vegetable Sticks: Cucumber, celery, or carrot sticks provide a refreshing crunch.
- Pickles: Serve with pickled cucumbers or onions for a sharp contrast to the creamy pâté.
- Salad: Pair the pâté with a simple green salad for a light, healthy lunch.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds extra brightness to each bite.
- Olives: Serve with a side of olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Mackerel Pâté
- Blend to Your Preference: For a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture until combined but still a bit coarse. For a smoother pâté, blend until silky.
- Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the best flavor and brightens the richness of the mackerel.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the pâté after blending and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to suit your taste.
- Chill for Best Flavor: While the pâté can be served immediately, chilling it for 30 minutes allows the flavors to deepen.
- Add a Kick: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Try Different Garnishes: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley enhance the flavor and make the dish look beautiful.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Mackerel Pâté
- Smoked Salmon Pâté: Swap the smoked mackerel for smoked salmon for a different but equally delicious flavor.
- Herb-Infused Pâté: Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for an herby twist.
- Spicy Mackerel Pâté: Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Horseradish Twist: Use extra horseradish sauce for more heat and zing.
- Light Version: Substitute the full-fat cream cheese with a lower-fat option or Greek yoghurt for a lighter pâté.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Mackerel Pâté
- Airtight Container: Store the pâté in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate: Keep the pâté in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Cover Well: Cover the pâté tightly to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
- Freeze Option: You can freeze the pâté in an airtight container for up to 1 month, though the texture may slightly change after thawing.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Mackerel Pâté
- Serve Cold or Room Temperature: Pâté is typically served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary.
- Bring to Room Temperature: If refrigerated, allow the pâté to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
FAQs
Can I freeze mackerel pâté?
Yes, mackerel pâté can be frozen. Place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw the pâté in the fridge overnight before serving. Keep in mind that the texture may slightly change after freezing.
How long does homemade mackerel pâté last in the fridge?
Homemade mackerel pâté can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s kept in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors.
Can I make mackerel pâté without cream cheese?
Yes, mackerel pâté can be made without cream cheese. You can substitute it with Greek yoghurt, crème fraîche, or even soft goat cheese for a lighter or tangier flavor.
Is mackerel pâté healthy?
Yes, mackerel pâté is healthy. Mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health. To make it even healthier, you can use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yoghurt as a base.
Final Words
This Mary Berry Mackerel Pâté Recipe is a quick, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its rich, creamy texture and smoky mackerel flavor, it’s perfect for spreading on bread, crackers, or serving as a starter.
Enjoy this easy, delicious pâté and elevate your next appetizer spread!
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Mary Berry Mackerel Pâté Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Mackerel Pâté is a smooth and flavorful spread made primarily with smoked mackerel, cream cheese, and lemon. The pâté is packed with rich, smoky flavors from the mackerel, while the lemon juice adds brightness and freshness. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or an elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
- 250g smoked mackerel fillets (skin removed)
- 100g full-fat cream cheese
- 2 tbsp crème fraîche or sour cream
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp horseradish sauce (optional, for extra zing)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish)
- Crusty bread or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Mackerel: Remove the skin from the smoked mackerel fillets and break the fish into chunks. Ensure there are no bones left in the fillets.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, add the smoked mackerel, cream cheese, crème fraîche (or sour cream), lemon juice, and horseradish sauce (if using). Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season the Pâté: Taste the mixture and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Blend again to combine the seasoning evenly.
- Transfer to a Bowl: Scoop the pâté into a serving dish or bowl, using a spatula to smooth the top.
- Chill the Pâté: For best results, refrigerate the pâté for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also serve it immediately if you prefer.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the pâté with freshly chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
