Fish paste sandwiches

Fish paste tartines – a quick and delicious choice

When it comes to quick and tasty snacks, fish paste tartines are among the most beloved options. These tartines are not only easy to prepare but also versatile, perfect for a party, a quick lunch, or a light dinner. This recipe comes with a personal touch, inspired by Oana, but with small adjustments that make this fish paste a true delight. Let's venture together into the world of flavors!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 2 cans of mackerel fillets in oil
- 2 green onions
- A handful of canned corn
- Juice from 1 lemon (or to taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- A pack of mini-toast

Helpful tips about ingredients:

- Mackerel fillets: Choose quality mackerel fillets, preferably from a trusted source. Fish in oil provides a richer texture, but if you want a lighter option, go for fillets in water.
- Green onions: They offer a fresh and crunchy flavor. If you don’t have green onions, you can use white onion, but reduce the amount as it is stronger.
- Canned corn: Rinse it under running water to remove excess salt and sugar. If desired, you can use fresh boiled corn for a more intense flavor.
- Dill: It is the key ingredient that adds a note of freshness. If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but the flavor will be less intense.

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by opening the two cans of mackerel fillets and draining the oil. Place the fillets in a tall bowl that is easy to handle with an immersion blender.

2. Adding the flavors: Finely chop the green onions and dill. Add them to the bowl along with the lemon juice. It’s important to add the lemon juice gradually, tasting along the way, to achieve the perfect balance of acidity.

3. Blending: Use the immersion blender to mix the ingredients together until you get a creamy paste. Make sure there are no large chunks; the texture should be smooth and homogeneous.

4. Seasoning: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that mackerel has a strong flavor, so add the seasonings carefully.

5. Adding the corn: Once the paste is blended, add the drained corn and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon. This will provide a crunchy texture and a sweet note.

6. Cooling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the paste chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is essential as the flavors will meld and become more intense.

7. Assembling the tartines: Once the paste has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator. Take the slices of mini-toast and use a spatula to spread a generous layer of fish paste. You can decorate the tartines with a few fresh dill leaves for an appealing look.

Serving:

These fish paste tartines are delicious served cold, alongside a fresh green salad or crunchy vegetable slices like cucumbers or carrots. You can also pair the tartines with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing cocktail. A personal touch that I really enjoy is to add a few slices of avocado on the tartines before applying the paste, for extra creaminess and nutrients.

Nutritional benefits:

- Mackerel is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Corn provides a dose of fiber and essential vitamins.
- Dill not only enhances the flavor but also contains antioxidants and nutrients that support digestion.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another fish? Yes, you can use tuna or sardine fillets, but the flavor will be different.
2. How can I make the paste lighter? You can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to achieve a creamier and less fatty consistency.
3. How long can it be kept in the refrigerator? The paste can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
4. Can I add other ingredients? Sure! You can experiment with chopped olives or bell peppers to diversify the flavors.

These fish paste tartines are not only easy to prepare but also a healthy choice for any meal. So don’t hesitate to try them and adapt them to your taste! Enjoy!