Warm Mackerel Beetroot Salad Food

SMOKED MACKEREL & BEETROOT SALAD WITH CREAMY HORSERADISH DRESSING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Place the unpeeled beetroots on a baking tray and roast for 35-50 mins, depending on their size. Give them a gentle squeeze after 35 mins - if they feel tender and are a little shrivelled, they are done; if not, continue cooking. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
• Using a small sharp knife, carefully peel the beetroots, then cut into wedges (wear plastic gloves to prevent them staining your hands). Mix the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Put the lentils, spring onions, apple, radicchio and mackerel in a large bowl, add half the dressing and toss everything together. Pile the ingredients onto a serving platter, layering with the beetroots as you do. Serve with the remaining dressing on the side.

SMOKED MACKEREL SALAD WITH BEETROOT & HORSERADISH DRESSING

Steps:

• For the dressing, tip the shallots into a bowl with the vinegar, season and set aside to soften for a few mins. Mix the diced beetroot and olive oil into the shallots. The dressing can be made up to a day ahead and chilled.
• To serve, lightly toss the leaves with the mackerel and some of the dressing. Place 3 slices of beetroot onto each plate, pile the salad into the centre, then spoon the rest of the dressing around the outside. Spoon little blobs of horseradish around each plate and serve.

BALSAMIC ROASTED BEET SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Wrap the beets individually in aluminum foil and place them on a sheet pan. Roast them for 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on their size, until a small sharp knife inserted in the middle indicates that they are tender. Unwrap each beet and set aside for 10 minutes, until cool enough to handle. Peel the beets with a small, sharp knife over a piece of parchment paper to prevent staining your cutting board.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, mustard, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and set aside. While the beets are still warm, cut each one in half and then each half into 4 to 6 wedges and place them in a large mixing bowl. As you're cutting the beets, toss them with half of the vinaigrette (warm beets absorb more vinaigrette), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Taste for seasonings.
• Place the arugula in a separate bowl and toss it with enough vinaigrette to moisten. Put the arugula on a serving platter and then arrange the beets, almonds, and goat cheese on top. Drizzle with additional vinaigrette, if desired, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve warm or at room temperature.

WARM NEW POTATO & SMOKED MACKEREL SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the potatoes in a large pan of boiling salted water for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
• While the potatoes are cooking, mix the crème fraîche in a large bowl with the horseradish cream and lemon juice. Season well with freshly ground black pepper (there's no need for salt because of the saltiness of the smoked mackerel).
• Drain the potatoes, halve and set aside to cool down for a few minutes. Tip into the crème fraîche mix and stir so it coats them and becomes quite runny. Now add the smoked mackerel and watercress and toss gently together. Pile on two plates and serve straight away (it's best while still warm).

WARM ROASTED BEET SALAD

Steps:

• Scrub and peel beets. Cut into wedges; place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Spritz beets with additional cooking spray until coated. Bake at 350° for 40-50 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally., Meanwhile, for dressing, heat orange juice over medium heat in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until liquid is syrupy and reduced to about 1/3 cup. Remove from heat. Whisk in next 7 ingredients. Set aside to cool., Just before serving, place arugula in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1/4 cup dressing; toss to coat. Divide mixture among 6 salad plates. Place beets in the same bowl; add remaining dressing and toss to coat. Arrange on plates. Sprinkle salads with blue cheese and hazelnuts.

PAN-FRIED MACKEREL FILLETS WITH BEETROOT & FENNEL

Steps:

• Put one of the mackerel fillets on a board and cut a 'V' down the centre, either side of the pin bones, to create two smaller fillets, then remove the bones. Repeat with the other fillet. Rub with the oil and season with plenty of ground black pepper. Set aside.
• Put the fennel in a bowl with the beetroot, cucumber and apple. Drizzle over the lemon juice, add the yogurt and mix well. Roughly chop the dill, putting aside a few fronds to garnish, and scatter over the salad, then season with ground black pepper and toss together lightly. Set aside.
• Put a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. When hot, add the fish, skin-side down, and cook for 2 1/2 mins. Flip the fish over and cook for 30 secs on the other side.
• Put the fillets on top of the salad and serve with the dill fronds and lemon wedges for squeezing over.