Sunflower appetizer

The sunflower appetizer is a festive dish, full of colors and textures, that brings joy to our tables, especially during gatherings with friends or celebrations. With a rich history in holiday cuisine, this appetizer is not only a delicious choice but also an explosion of flavors and colors that attract attention and stimulate appetite. Let's discover together how to prepare this wonderful appetizer, step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 4 boiled potatoes with skin
- 2 cans of smoked sprat (approximately 200 g each)
- 200 g cheese cut into cubes
- 200 g boiled corn
- 200 g sliced surimi
- 2 boiled eggs cut into cubes
- 300 g mayonnaise
- Salt, pepper to taste
- For decoration: a bag of chips, fresh parsley, olives, slices of surimi

Ingredient preparation:
To achieve a perfect sunflower appetizer, it is essential to use fresh, quality ingredients. Choose firm potatoes with a fine texture that boil easily and hold their shape. The smoked sprat adds a note of intense flavors, while the cheese brings a pleasant creaminess. Surimi not only adds taste but also an interesting texture, and the boiled corn contributes to the sweetness and freshness of the dish.

Step 1: Preparing the potatoes
Start by boiling the potatoes. Place them in a pot with cold water, add a little salt, and let them boil for about 20-25 minutes or until well cooked. Once boiled, drain them, let them cool slightly, then peel and grate them. This step will bring an airy texture to the appetizer.

Step 2: Seasoning the potatoes
In a large bowl, add the grated potatoes, season with salt and pepper to taste. Add 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise and mix well. This mixture will serve as the base for the sunflower.

Step 3: Assembling the appetizer
On a large platter, shape the potato mixture into a flower shape, making sure to create a higher center. This will give it a special appearance.

Step 4: Adding the fish
Drain the sprat cans well and evenly place them over the potatoes, ensuring to cover the entire surface. This step is important as the fish provides an intense flavor that will make the appetizer truly delicious.

Step 5: Creating the mayonnaise net
From the mayonnaise, create a net over the smoked fish. Use a pastry bag or a plastic bag with a cut corner to achieve an even pattern. This decoration not only looks good but also adds a creamy taste that binds all the ingredients together.

Step 6: Preparing the remaining ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the cubed cheese, boiled corn, sliced surimi, and cubed eggs. Season with salt and pepper, then add mayonnaise to bind the ingredients. Mix well until everything is uniform.

Step 7: Final assembly
Place the mixture of ingredients around the potatoes to create a pleasing contrast of colors and textures. This step will complete the appearance of the appetizer and contribute to the festive meal.

Step 8: Decorating the appetizer
To beautify the appetizer, use chips to create the flower edges. Add some olives and surimi slices for decoration, and the fresh parsley will add a note of freshness.

Serving:
The sunflower appetizer is served cold, directly from the refrigerator. It is perfect to be accompanied by a refreshing drink or a dry white wine, which will balance the intense flavors.

Useful tips:
- You can replace the smoked sprat with tuna or smoked salmon to vary the taste.
- If you prefer a vegetarian dish, you can omit the fish and add more boiled vegetables, such as carrots or peas.
- For an extra flavor boost, add some fresh herbs to the mayonnaise mixture, such as dill or chives.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This recipe is a good source of protein, due to the fish and eggs, and carbohydrates from potatoes and corn. Each serving can have around 350-450 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used. It is a satisfying appetizer that offers essential nutrients, but it is best to consume it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use light mayonnaise to reduce calories and fats, but the taste will be slightly different.
2. How can I store the appetizer?
The appetizer stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but it is recommended to consume it within 2 days to maintain its freshness.

I wish you much success in preparing this sunflower appetizer! It will surely become a favorite on your table and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!