Fried sardines with garlic, chilli and fresh herbs

 

Where did summer go? We are already half way through September and I definitely can feel chills in the early mornings. Although I enjoyed our summer a lot, I am happy to welcome the autumn.  

Past summer has been exceptionally warm this year what is very unusual to Irish weather and I bet nobody have expected that. Temperatures were reaching as high as 27C, and I have to tell you it was very pleasant change from what we would typically have. 

Salmon and Green Bean Tart

This mouth-watering salmon tart makes great lunch or dinner at any time of the year. Can be served warm or cold – you decide!

Prep time : 25 min + chilling

Cooking time : 40 min

(Serves 6)

Ingredients:

For pastry:

170 gram of plain flour

75 gram of butter

40 ml cold water

For filling:

180 gram salmon, cooked and flaked

200 gram green beans, blanched

3 eggs

150 ml cream

2-3 tablespoon chopped dill (optional)

Salt, pepper to taste

Butter to grease tin

Method:

For pastry, combine the flour and butter by rubbing the mixture with your fingertips till it resembles breadcrumbs. Then little by little start adding water, and knead gently till the pastry binds together and the edges of the bowl are clean. Chill for about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 200 degrees C. Grease the tin.

Onto lightly floured surface roll out pastry into a large circle. Line the tin and trim excess pastry.

Prick the pastry base with fork then transfer to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile beat together eggs, cream, dill, salt and pepper.

Place green beans over the base of the pastry case then scatter salmon flakes over them; pour egg mixture over the filling. 

Transfer to the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until golden and firm. Cool slightly before serving.

New Potato and Smoked Mackerel Salad

Make this healthy salad in less than 30 minutes!

(Serves 2)

Ingredients:

300 gram new potatoes

200-250 gram of smoked mackerel fillet, flaked

90 gram mixture of baby spinach, watercress and red chard

For dressing:

3-5 tablespoons of olive oil

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Salt, pepper to taste

2 teaspoons of chopped spring onion

Method:

In a large pan bring up water to a boil, season with salt and cook potatoes for approximately 20 minutes or until tender. When cooked drain the potatoes, halve and set aside to cool.

For the dressing, mix olive oil and lemon juice; season with pepper.

In a large salad bowl mix potato, mackerel and mixture of greens; drizzle with salad dressing and sprinkle with spring onions.

Tilapia with Fresh Herbs

(Serves 2)

Ingredients:

2 tilapia filets

1-2 garlic cloves, minced

Salt, pepper to taste

Fresh dill, parsley, spring onions and basil, chopped

Oil

Lemon wedges for serving

Method:

Preheat oven to 200 degrees C. Lightly grease baking tray.

Season fish fillets with salt and pepper, spread minced garlic on each fillet. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

When ready sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.

Tuna Tortilla

Crisp lettuce, tuna, tomato and onion wrapped in a warm garlic and coriander tortilla. Spice up your wrap with pickle and radish. Perfect for the sunny spring lunches.

(Serves 2)

Ingredients:

2 garlic and coriander tortilla

90 gram canned tuna

2 tablespoons chopped red onion

1 tomato, chopped

3 radishes, grated

3 pickles, chopped

4 lettuce leaves

1 teaspoon oil

Method:
Preheat frying pan, add oil. Place tortilla to the pan for about 30-40 sec on each side; repeat same with second one.

In a bowl combine rest of the ingredients then divide equally. Place on the tortilla, roll up and serve.