Smoked Mackerel Rillettes with Aleppo Pepper Recipe
A quick and flavorful smoked mackerel rillettes recipe with a creamy yogurt base, fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and a hint of spicy Aleppo pepper. Perfect as a delicious and easy appetizer served on warm toast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Rillettes Mixture
- 2 fillets smoked mackerel, skin removed and flesh coarsely torn
- 2 tbsp natural plain yoghurt
- Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tbsp non-pareil capers, finely chopped
- 1 tsp heaped fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 large trimmed spring onions, spliced down the centre and finely sliced
- 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper
- Pinch freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the yoghurt base: Add two tablespoons of plain natural yogurt to a small mixing bowl to create a creamy base for the rillettes.
- Add fresh ingredients: Finely slice two spring onions, chop the capers, zest the lemon, and add all these to the yogurt.
- Season with Aleppo pepper: Sprinkle in the Aleppo pepper and mix everything thoroughly using a fork for even flavor distribution.
- Incorporate the smoked mackerel: Carefully peel back and remove the skin of the smoked mackerel fillets, then coarsely break up the flesh using your fingers and add it to the bowl.
- Finish the seasoning: Add freshly ground black pepper, finely chopped parsley, and squeeze in lemon juice to taste for freshness and zing.
- Combine and serve: Mix all ingredients well and serve the smoked mackerel rillettes spread onto warm toast slices for an elegant appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use unwaxed lemon for zesting to avoid bitterness and ensure a clean citrus flavor.
- Adjust the amount of Aleppo pepper to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
- Warm the toast before serving to enhance the flavors and provide a pleasant texture contrast.
- Can be paired with a crisp white wine or light ale for a delightful accompaniment.
