Nigella Lawson’s Mackerel Pâté is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the rich, smoky taste of mackerel with smooth, creamy ingredients to create a delicious spread. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a light lunch, this pâté comes together in minutes and can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Its smoky, savory flavor paired with the tanginess of lemon makes it an irresistible dish for any occasion.
What is Nigella Mackerel Pâté?
Nigella’s Mackerel Pâté is a creamy, smoky spread made with smoked mackerel, cream cheese, and lemon juice. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients blended together, this pâté is perfect as a starter or a snack. Serve it with crackers, crusty bread, or vegetable sticks for a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in under 10 minutes.
- Full of Flavor: The smoky mackerel pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon and creamy cheese.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making this a healthy choice.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a dip, spread, or even a sandwich filling.
- Minimal Ingredients: Requires only a handful of ingredients that are easy to find.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Great for serving at dinner parties, picnics, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella Mackerel Pâté
- 250g smoked mackerel fillets (skin removed)
- 100g full-fat cream cheese
- 1 tbsp crème fraîche or sour cream
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish)
- Crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks for serving
Equipment Needed
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Serving dish
Instructions to Make Nigella Mackerel Pâté
- Prepare the Mackerel: Remove the skin from the smoked mackerel fillets and check for any bones. Break the fish into chunks.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the smoked mackerel, cream cheese, crème fraîche, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season to Taste: Taste the pâté and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Blend again to combine the seasoning evenly.
- Transfer to a Bowl: Using a spatula, scoop the pâté into a serving dish or bowl.
- Chill Before Serving: While it can be served immediately, chilling the pâté for 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together and enhances the overall taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pâté with freshly chopped parsley or dill, and serve it with crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks.
What Goes Well With Nigella Mackerel Pâté
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of fresh baguette or toasted sourdough.
- Crackers: Lightly salted crackers complement the rich pâté.
- Vegetable Sticks: Carrot, cucumber, and celery sticks provide a refreshing crunch.
- Pickles: Add a side of pickled cucumbers or onions for a tangy contrast.
- Salad: A simple green salad pairs well for a light, balanced meal.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors.
- Olives: A bowl of olives adds a Mediterranean twist to your spread.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Nigella Mackerel Pâté
- Check for Bones: Ensure there are no bones left in the mackerel before blending.
- Blend to Your Preference: For a smoother pâté, blend until silky. For a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture to your liking.
- Taste Before Serving: Adjust the seasoning based on your preference before serving.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings out the best flavors in the pâté.
- Chill for Better Flavor: Chilling the pâté helps deepen the flavor, but it can be served immediately if you’re short on time.
- Customize the Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley makes a great garnish and adds extra flavor.
Easy Variations of Nigella Mackerel Pâté
- Horseradish Kick: Add 1 tsp of horseradish sauce for a spicy kick.
- Spicy Version: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Herb-Infused Pâté: Add a handful of fresh herbs like dill or chives for an herbaceous flavor.
- Smoked Salmon Alternative: Swap mackerel with smoked salmon for a different but equally delicious pâté.
- Light Version: Use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yoghurt for a lighter, healthier version.
Best Practices to Store Nigella Mackerel Pâté
- Airtight Container: Store the pâté in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Refrigerate: Keep the pâté refrigerated and consume within 3 days.
- Cover to Prevent Drying: Cover the pâté well to avoid it drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge.
- Freezing Option: You can freeze the pâté for up to 1 month, though the texture may change slightly after thawing.
Best Practices to Reheat Nigella Mackerel Pâté
- Serve Cold or Room Temperature: Pâté is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary.
- Bring to Room Temperature Before Serving: If refrigerated, allow the pâté to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for the best flavor.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
Final Words
This Nigella Mackerel Pâté Recipe is a quick, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this rich and creamy pâté is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it with your favorite bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks, and elevate your next gathering with this easy-to-make dish!
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Nigella Mackerel Pate
- Prep Time: 10
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: British
Description
Nigella’s Mackerel Pâté is a creamy, smoky spread made with smoked mackerel, cream cheese, and lemon juice. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients blended together, this pâté is perfect as a starter or a snack. Serve it with crackers, crusty bread, or vegetable sticks for a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 250g smoked mackerel fillets (skin removed)
- 100g full-fat cream cheese
- 1 tbsp crème fraîche or sour cream
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish)
- Crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Mackerel: Remove the skin from the smoked mackerel fillets and check for any bones. Break the fish into chunks.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the smoked mackerel, cream cheese, crème fraîche, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season to Taste: Taste the pâté and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Blend again to combine the seasoning evenly.
- Transfer to a Bowl: Using a spatula, scoop the pâté into a serving dish or bowl.
- Chill Before Serving: While it can be served immediately, chilling the pâté for 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together and enhances the overall taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pâté with freshly chopped parsley or dill, and serve it with crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks.
