Smoked salmon, prawn and cucumber mousse
Dive into the classic elegance of a 1970s dinner party favorite with James Martin's Smoked Salmon, Prawn, and Cucumber Mousse. This dish combines the rich flavors of smoked salmon and prawns with the fresh crispness of cucumber, resulting in an impressive and delicious starter. Here's how to bring this luxurious recipe to your table.
Smoked Salmon, Prawn and Cucumber Mousse: A Brief Description This mousse encapsulates a delightful blend of textures and flavors, featuring a creamy base infused with smoked salmon, layered with succulent prawns, and wrapped in thinly sliced cucumber. It's perfect for special occasions or whenever you're in the mood to indulge in something uniquely satisfying.
Cultural or Historical Context Originating from the 1970s, this recipe reflects the era's fascination with elegant and visually stunning dishes. It showcases the period's penchant for combining seafood in creative ways, making it a timeless classic that continues to impress.
Ingredients List
- Rapeseed oil for greasing
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and very finely sliced
- 400g unsliced smoked salmon, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon (with extra wedges to serve)
- 200g full-fat cream cheese
- 450ml double cream
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 300g cooked prawns, shelled and deveined (plus 6 cooked tiger prawns in the shell for garnishing)
- 50g watercress
- Melba toast, for serving
Preparation Instructions
- Prepare a savarin mould by greasing it with rapeseed oil and lining with cling film.
- Layer the cucumber slices inside the mould.
- Blend smoked salmon with lemon juice until smooth, then incorporate cream cheese and double cream to achieve a mousse texture.
- Season the mousse and layer it in the mould with prawns.
- Chill, then demould and garnish with watercress and tiger prawns.
Storage and Reheating This mousse is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day. It's not suitable for freezing or reheating due to its delicate texture.
Nutritional Information The dish is rich in proteins from the salmon and prawns, and it also contains dairy. It's relatively high in fat due to the cream and cream cheese, making it a more indulgent choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe? While minor adjustments might not drastically change the dish, the unique combination of ingredients is key to its classic taste.
- How can I ensure the mousse sets properly? Chilling the mousse for at least 30 minutes as instructed is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
- Is this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions? As it contains seafood, dairy, and potentially gluten (through Melba toast), it may not be suitable for all diets.
James Martin, renowned for his comforting yet sophisticated dishes, brings this Smoked Salmon, Prawn, and Cucumber Mousse to life. It's a testament to his culinary expertise and a nod to the lavish dinner parties of the past.