Introduction
This delightful dish featuring Jersey Royal potatoes combines the earthy flavors of fresh vegetables with the richness of smoked salmon and a zesty cottage cheese dressing. Perfect for a spring meal, it is not only wholesome but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or a family dinner.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 750g Jersey Royal potatoes
– Olive oil
– 8 spring onions
– 1 bunch of asparagus (180g)
– ½ a bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley (15g)
– 1 lemon
– 100g cottage cheese
– 1 tablespoon creamed horseradish
– Extra virgin olive oil
– 100g watercress
– 100g smoked salmon, from sustainable sources
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
With this exquisite combination of flavors and textures, you are sure to impress your guests or enjoy a fulfilling meal with family. Bon appétit!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Scrub the Jersey Royal potatoes thoroughly. Cook them in a pan of boiling salted water for 15 minutes, then drain and allow them to steam dry.
Step 3: Roast the Potatoes
Transfer the potatoes into a large roasting tray. Toss them with a pinch of sea salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
While the potatoes roast, trim the spring onions and asparagus. Finely chop the flat-leaf parsley, stalks included.
Step 5: Combine and Roast Again
Once the 15 minutes are up, take the potatoes out of the oven. Gently squash them with a potato masher and push them to one side of the tray. Lay the spring onions and asparagus at the bottom, then arrange the potatoes on top. Put the tray back in the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and fully cooked.
Step 6: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, finely grate the lemon zest. Squeeze in the juice from half the lemon and add the chopped parsley. Stir in the cottage cheese, creamed horseradish, and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Season to your taste.
Step 7: Dress the Watercress
Toss the watercress with a squeeze of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Once everything is ready, pile the roasted potatoes and vegetables onto a platter. Spoon a generous amount of the creamy dressing over the top. Finally, arrange slices of smoked salmon and pinches of dressed watercress beautifully on top.
Notes
Ingredient Quality
Ensure all ingredients, particularly the smoked salmon, are sourced sustainably.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it suitable for various occasions.
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently before serving.
Cook techniques
Roasting
Roasting is a cooking technique that involves cooking food evenly in an oven. In this recipe, Jersey Royal potatoes are roasted to achieve a golden-brown exterior while remaining soft on the inside. The process enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Steaming
Steaming is a method that uses steam heat to cook food while retaining moisture and nutrients. After boiling the potatoes, steaming them dry prevents sogginess and prepares them for roasting.
Mashing
Mashing involves crushing food with a tool like a potato masher to achieve a creamy or smooth consistency. In this recipe, the roasted potatoes are gently squashed which creates a delicious texture and allows them to absorb the flavors from the other ingredients.
Finely Chopping
Finely chopping refers to cutting ingredients into small uniform pieces. This technique is essential for distributing flavors evenly throughout the dish, especially for the spring onions and parsley in this recipe.
Grating
Grating is a technique used to shred food, usually with a grater or microplane. In this recipe, lemon zest is grated to release aromatic oils that enhance flavor.
Seasoning
Seasoning involves adding salt, pepper, or other flavor enhancers to food. In this dish, potatoes are seasoned with sea salt and black pepper to bring out their natural flavors.
Tossing
Tossing is a light mixing technique used to combine ingredients without breaking them apart. Watercress is tossed with lemon juice and olive oil to ensure even coating and enhance freshness.
Layering
Layering is a technique used to arrange different components of a dish in a particular order. In this recipe, roasted potatoes are layered over spring onions and asparagus for a visually appealing presentation.
FAQ
Can I substitute Jersey Royal potatoes with another type of potato?
Yes, you can use other waxy potatoes, such as new potatoes or fingerlings, but Jersey Royals offer a unique flavor.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the smoked salmon or replacing it with marinated tofu or grilled vegetables.
What other vegetables can be added to this recipe?
You can add other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to enhance flavor and color.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This delightful dish of roasted Jersey Royal potatoes with spring onions, asparagus, and smoked salmon beautifully melds flavors and textures. The creamy horseradish dressing enhances the natural freshness of the vegetables and the richness of the smoked salmon, while the watercress adds a peppery bite. It’s a perfect meal, balancing heartiness and lightness, ideal for any occasion.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Potato and Asparagus Salad
Combine roasted Jersey Royal potatoes with blanched asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing side dish.
Smoked Salmon Sandwich
Layer smoked salmon, cottage cheese, and watercress between whole grain bread with a squeeze of lemon for a quick and nutritious lunch.
Spring Vegetable Frittata
Use asparagus, spring onions, and chopped parsley in a frittata base with eggs and cottage cheese for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
Herbed Potato Cakes
Mix leftover roasted potatoes with chopped parsley and spring onions, mold into cakes, and pan-fry until golden for a crispy treat.
Asparagus and Cucumber Gazpacho
Blend asparagus with cucumber, parsley, spring onions, and lemon juice for a refreshing cold soup perfect for summer days.
