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Tuesday 9 April 2013

An Early Taste of Summer

Pesto Rice Salad & Smoked Trout Pate

Its a sure sign that summer isn't too far away when Pesto Rice salad appears on our table and it remains a staple from spring to Autumn. This recipe is from Delia's Vegetarian Collection and is a huge hit in our house especially with the kids. Its great with barbeque's or fish and also for picnics and is best served at room temperature.
The Smoked Trout Pate is a very quick dish to throw together but tastes delicious on crackers or bread and even better on homemade sourdough bread....don't blame me if you get addicted!!

Rice Salad
Shop bought pesto can be used but it wont compare to a homemade version which is so quick to make. Because pine nuts are expensive I often us a mixture of pine nuts and cashew nuts which still tastes great.
Pesto
50g Basil
1 Clove of garlic crushed
1 tablespoon of pine nuts or mix of pine and cashew nuts
6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
25g Parmesan cheese grated


Salad
Arborio Rice (enough to measure up to 225ml on measuring jug)
450 ml hot stock light chicken or veg
Juice of one lemon
2 Tablespoons of EV olive oil
Salt and Pepper

Whizz all the ingredients for the pesto, except the cheese, in a food processor/blender until you have a smooth puree and then stir in the cheese.

Stir in one quarter of the pesto into the rice and mix well to ensure it is evenly coated.
Tip this into a frying pan with a tight fitting lid and add the stock and turn on heat, add a teaspoon of salt, as soon as it starts to boil turn the heat right down put on the lid and let the rice cook for exactly 20 mins.
As soon as its ready place in a bowl and pour in the lemon juice and remaining pesto sauce and combine.
Season with salt and pepper and garnish with shavings of Parmesan cheese.

Smoked Trout Pate

2 Smoked Trout fillets ( I used Goatsbridge Hot smoked Trout)
1 Tablespoon Horseradish
Juice of 1 Lemon
2 Large tablespoons of Creme Fraiche
1 Tablespoon Cream 

Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor, taste and season.
Serve with crackers, breadsticks or sourdough bread and enjoy.

So now weather Gods I've done my part, you must do yours and bring us some beautiful sunny warm weather in which to enjoy these summer treats!




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