Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon and Watercress Pate is a delicious, sophisticated appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion, from elegant dinner parties to casual get-togethers. This dish combines the rich, smoky flavor of salmon with the peppery freshness of watercress, creating a smooth and creamy spread that’s ideal for serving on crusty bread, crackers, or as a filling for delicate sandwiches.
The pate has the ideal balance of flavors and textures. The smoked salmon provides a salty, umami-packed foundation, while the watercress adds a refreshing, slightly spicy kick. This delightful contrast is enriched by the creamy elements of the dish, typically from cream cheese or butter, which make it irresistibly smooth. Mary Berry, renowned for her simple yet refined approach to cooking, has crafted this pate to be both easy to prepare and full of flavor, offering a luxurious bite that will impress guests without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a fancy brunch or looking for a savory spread for a picnic, Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon and Watercress Pate is versatile, tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser. It brings a touch of elegance to any table with its stunning color contrast and vibrant flavors.
Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon And Watercress Pate Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon and Watercress Pate, you’ll need just a few high-quality ingredients. These are carefully selected to bring out the best flavors in the dish, while keeping the preparation simple. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Smoked Salmon (200g): The star of the dish, this provides that rich, smoky depth that contrasts beautifully with the fresh, peppery watercress.
- Watercress (75g): Fresh and vibrant, this leafy green has a sharp, mustard-like flavor that balances the richness of the salmon and cream.
- Cream Cheese (150g): This adds the perfect creamy texture and helps bind the ingredients together. You could also use mascarpone for a slightly richer taste.
- Butter (50g): Softened butter enhances the creaminess of the pate and adds a touch of indulgence.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice helps cut through the richness, brightening up the pate with a refreshing tang.
- Fresh Dill (1 tbsp, chopped): Dill pairs wonderfully with salmon, adding a subtle, herby note that complements the smoky fish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, these simple seasonings will enhance the flavors and bring everything together.
Optional: Some recipes call for a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a few drops of hot sauce for added depth or heat. However, Mary Berry’s version focuses on the delicate balance of the salmon, watercress, and creamy components.
Equipment Needed
Making this dish requires minimal equipment, making it a straightforward and accessible recipe for home cooks of all levels. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Food Processor or Blender: This is essential for creating a smooth, velvety texture for the pate. If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the salmon and watercress and blend them by hand, but it will take longer and result in a chunkier pate.
- Mixing Bowl: If you’re not using a food processor, you’ll need a bowl to mix your ingredients by hand.
- Spatula or Spoon: To help transfer and spread the pate into your serving dish.
- Knife and Chopping Board: To prepare the herbs, lemon, and salmon (if it’s not pre-chopped).
- Measuring Spoons: To measure out smaller quantities like lemon juice, dill, and seasoning.
- Serving Dish: A small bowl or platter to present the pate on, ready to serve with crackers, bread, or veggies.
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon And Watercress Pate
The process for making Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon and Watercress Pate is incredibly easy, taking no more than 15 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by roughly chopping the smoked salmon into smaller pieces. If you’re using fresh dill, chop it finely. Trim the watercress and remove any thicker stems, leaving just the leaves. This will make it easier to blend smoothly.
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Blend the Pate Base:
In a food processor, combine the smoked salmon, watercress, cream cheese, softened butter, and lemon juice. Pulse the mixture until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well blended.
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Season and Taste:
Once the mixture is smooth, season with salt, pepper, and the chopped dill. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a slightly tangier flavor, you can add a bit more lemon juice or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
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Chill:
Once you’re satisfied with the flavor and consistency, transfer the pate to a serving dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling the pate also helps it firm up, making it easier to spread.
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Serve:
Serve the pate chilled with your choice of accompaniments-crusty bread, crackers, vegetable sticks, or even as part of a salad. Garnish with a little extra watercress or dill for a decorative touch.
Tips And Tricks
To ensure your pate turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips and tricks:
- Quality of Ingredients: Since this pate relies on a few simple ingredients, using the best quality smoked salmon you can find will make a huge difference in the final flavor.
- Adjust the Texture: If you prefer a chunkier pate, pulse the ingredients in the food processor for a shorter time. Conversely, if you prefer a silky smooth spread, blend a little longer.
- Make Ahead: This pate can be made up to a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight enhances the flavors and allows the ingredients to meld together even more.
- Add Heat: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes to the mixture for a mild kick.
- Garnishing: When serving, fresh herbs like dill, chives, or even a few slices of smoked salmon can make for a stunning presentation. You could also drizzle a little olive oil over the pate for an extra layer of richness.
Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon and Watercress Pate is a wonderfully versatile dish that combines elegance with simplicity. It’s rich and creamy, with the perfect balance of smoky salmon, peppery watercress, and tangy lemon, making it a standout appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fancy event or simply looking for a tasty spread to enjoy with friends, this pate is sure to impress.
With minimal effort and just a few basic ingredients, you can create a luxurious dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. So, the next time you’re in need of a crowd-pleasing appetizer, give this recipe a try-it’s a guaranteed hit!
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon And Watercress Pâté
Mary Berry’s smoked salmon and watercress pâté is a delightful celebration of creamy richness, delicate smokiness, and peppery freshness. But like any good classic, it’s also a versatile canvas for creativity. You can tweak this dish in a multitude of ways to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or what’s simply available in your fridge or pantry.
1. Cream Cheese Substitutes
The original recipe often uses cream cheese or crème fraîche to achieve that luscious texture. If you’re feeling adventurous or need a dairy-free alternative, try using silken tofu blended with a splash of lemon juice and olive oil. For an indulgent twist, mascarpone cheese lends an ultra-creamy, slightly sweet note that pairs beautifully with the smokiness of the salmon.
2. Herb Swaps & Additions
Watercress brings a peppery brightness, but don’t let that limit you. Swap in fresh dill for a more traditional pairing with fish, or add chives for a mild oniony zing. Tarragon adds a faint licorice note, giving the pâté a French bistro flair. A touch of lemon zest also perks everything up without overpowering the fish.
3. Protein Twists
If smoked salmon isn’t your favorite or you simply want to switch it up, consider using hot-smoked trout or even canned mackerel for a more robust flavor. For a vegetarian twist, a beetroot and walnut pâté mimics the vibrant color while offering earthiness and texture.
4. Add a Crunch
Want to add an unexpected texture? Finely chopped capers, cornichons, or even toasted pine nuts stirred in at the end give lovely pops of briny or nutty crunch that contrast with the smooth pâté.
5. Spice It Up
Infuse a bit of personality with a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of horseradish cream, or a few drops of Tabasco for heat. These small additions can elevate your pâté from elegant appetizer to bold conversation starter.
6. Presentation Variations
Instead of serving the pâté in a ramekin, pipe it into cucumber cups or atop small rye bread rounds for a sophisticated canapé. Or, for a rustic approach, spoon it generously onto crusty bread and scatter with extra herbs.
Storing Leftovers
Now, let’s say you’ve made a generous batch (as any Mary Berry fan would!), and you’ve got some pâté left. No worries-it stores beautifully, but there are a few tips to ensure it retains its luxurious flavor and texture.
1. Refrigeration is Key
First and foremost, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, but make sure you seal it tightly to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors (no one wants smoked salmon pâté that tastes vaguely of last night’s curry).
2. Cover Thoughtfully
For best results, press a layer of cling film directly onto the surface of the pâté before sealing the container. This helps prevent oxidation, which can dull the flavor and alter the color slightly.
3. Freezing? It’s Possible-but Tricky
While not ideal, you can freeze smoked salmon pâté, though the texture might become grainy upon thawing due to the dairy content. If you do go this route, freeze it in small portions and thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight. Give it a good stir before serving and perhaps blend it again with a splash of cream to revive its silky texture.
4. Safe Handling
Because this pâté contains fish and dairy, it’s not a dish to leave out at room temperature for long. If serving at a party, consider placing the serving bowl over a bed of ice if it’ll be out for a while.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon And Watercress Pâté?
This pâté is deliciously rich, elegant, and layered with flavor-so pairing it with the right companions can really make it shine.
1. Breads & Crackers
Let’s start with the classics. Fresh crusty baguette slices, buttery brioche toast points, or rye crackers work beautifully. If you’re after something more rustic, try oatcakes or multigrain crispbreads for added texture and earthy notes.
2. Crudités
Balance the richness with fresh, crunchy veggies. Think cucumber ribbons, celery sticks, radishes, or even endive leaves. Their crispness provides a refreshing contrast and makes for an eye-catching platter.
3. Pickles & Acidity
A little acid goes a long way. Serve alongside cornichons, pickled red onions, or a capers and lemon wedge garnish. These brighten the palate and cut through the creamy richness like a culinary scalpel.
4. Salads
A lightly dressed baby greens salad or arugula and fennel salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes a delightful pairing. It keeps things light and adds a touch of sophistication-perfect for lunch or a refined brunch.
5. Beverages
Pairing drinks with pâté can elevate the whole experience. Think crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis, or even a dry rosé. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon, or iced herbal teas work wonders.
6. Brunch Boards & Picnic Platters
Make it a spread! Add boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, wedges of soft cheese, olives, and a few slices of smoked salmon on the side. Suddenly, your pâté is the center of a luxurious, shareable board.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s smoked salmon and watercress pâté is much more than a humble spread-it’s a testament to the charm of simple ingredients handled with elegance. Whether you stick to her trusted recipe or branch out with creative variations, this pâté invites experimentation and personalization. It stores well, dazzles at gatherings, and lends itself beautifully to both casual snacking and formal dining.
So next time you’re looking to impress without stress-or just want a delicious reason to gather around the table-reach for this delightful dish. It’s creamy, it’s savory, it’s sophisticated yet comforting. Just like Mary intended.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon And Watercress Pate?
To make Mary Berry’s smoked salmon and watercress pate, you will need the following ingredients: smoked salmon, watercress, cream cheese, butter, lemon juice, horseradish (optional), salt, and pepper. These ingredients combine to create a smooth, flavorful pate that’s perfect for spreading on crackers or serving as a starter.
How Do I Prepare Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon And Watercress Pate?
To prepare the pate, start by blending the smoked salmon, watercress, cream cheese, and butter together in a food processor. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can also add a small amount of horseradish for an extra kick. Once everything is well blended and smooth, transfer the mixture to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I Make Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon And Watercress Pate In Advance?
Yes, Mary Berry’s smoked salmon and watercress pate is ideal for making ahead of time. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This will allow the flavors to develop even more, making it a great option for entertaining or meal prepping.
