Smoked Haddock Tartlets With Poached Eggs Chives Food

SMOKED HADDOCK TARTS

Steps:

• To make the pastry, pulse the flour, lard and butter in a food processor until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over 1½ tbsp cold water and pulse again until the pastry just comes together. Divide into 6 pieces, wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 mins.
• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Roll each ball of pastry into a 12cm disc on a lightly floured surface and use to line 6 x 8cm tartlet tins. Line the tarts with baking parchment and baking beans, and chill in the fridge for 20 mins. Bake on a tray in the oven for 15 mins, then remove the baking beans and bake for a further 5 mins until golden. Brush with the egg yolk and return to the oven for 2 mins.
• Meanwhile, to make the filling, heat the butter in a small saucepan, add the leek and cook for 5 mins until beginning to soften. Add the garam masala, turmeric and seasoning, and cook for a further 5 mins. Turn down the oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 and lightly whisk together the cream, egg and yolks, and some seasoning.
• Divide the leek mixture between the tart cases, arrange the smoked haddock pieces on top and fill with the cream mixture to just below the pastry rim. Bake for 15-20 mins. Allow the tarts to cool a little in their tins, then serve with a handful of mixed salad leaves, if you like.

SMOKED HADDOCK TARTLETS WITH POACHED EGGS & CHIVES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6. Divide the pastry into 4, thinly roll out each piece, then cut out 4 circles big enough to line 4 x 12-14cm tartlet tins. Press the pastry into the sides of the tin and trim the edges with a knife. Place in the fridge to cool for 10 mins, then prick the base and line each tartlet with baking parchment and baking beans. Bake for 15 mins on a baking sheet, remove the beans and paper, cook for 10 mins more until golden, then remove from the oven.
• While the pastry is cooking, place the haddock in a medium saucepan with the milk. Season the milk with a little black pepper, place on the heat and bring to a steady boil. Turn off the heat, then set aside until cool enough to handle. Remove the fish from the milk and strain the milk into a jug.
• To make the sauce, wipe out the haddock pan and place back on the heat with the butter. When the butter has melted and is starting to sizzle, stir in the flour and cook until combined to a sandy consistency. Gradually stir in the poaching milk, stirring well after each addition, then gently simmer over a low heat for 5 mins until you have a smooth white sauce. Take the sauce off the heat, then stir in the gruyère.
• Break the haddock into large flakes into a bowl and discard the skin and any bones. Tip the egg yolks and mustard in with the haddock, then stir in the cheese sauce.
• Divide the filling between the tartlet cases, then bake for 20 mins until the filling is puffed up and golden brown like cheese on toast. Leave the tarts to cool slightly while you get the rest of the ingredients ready.
• To serve, poach 4 eggs (see video link, above). Gently melt the butter in a small saucepan, then add the chives. At the last minute, lightly toss the spinach leaves with a drizzle of oil and a sprinkling of coarse sea salt, then you're ready to plate up.
• To plate up like a professional, overlap the spinach leaves around the plate in a petal formation. Sit the tartlet on top of the spinach in the middle of the plate. Gently place a poached egg in the centre of each tartlet. Spoon some chive butter over each egg and serve straight away.

SMOKED HADDOCK SALAD WITH POACHED EGGS & CROûTONS

Steps:

• Whisk the mustard, vinegar, 3 tbsp oil with 1 tbsp of water and a pinch of salt to make a dressing.
• Heat the grill to high, scatter the bread on a baking tray and drizzle with the remaining oil. Put on the bottom of the grill and toast for 8-10 mins, tossing every couple of mins until well done.
• While the croutons are toasting, boil the beans for 3-5 mins until cooked but slightly crunchy. Scoop them out using a slotted spoon and toss them in a bowl with a little dressing. Lower the heat under the water, add the haddock and gently poach for 5 mins. Lift the fish onto a plate, add a splash of vinegar to the water, break in the eggs and poach them for 3 mins. Lift them onto a piece of kitchen towel to drain.
• Tip the leaves into a large bowl and flake over the haddock in large chunks. Add the croûtons and beans plus most of the dressing, then toss everything together. Pile onto 2 plates, top with the eggs, drizzle with the remaining dressing and eat while it's still warm.