This elegant and satisfying high-protein smoked trout brunch platter offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Designed to impress with minimal effort, it features smoky fish, jammy eggs, and a vibrant whipped feta and dill drizzle, perfect for a leisurely meal.
5.3ozpuy lentilscooked and cooled to room temperature
5.6ozcucumber(160g), sliced
1ozcapers(30g)
7ozsmoked trout(200g), flaked or sliced
0.35ozfresh parsley(10g), finely sliced
2.1ozhazelnuts(60g), roughly chopped
For the Whipped Feta & Dill Drizzle:
4ozfeta cheesecrumbled
3tbspGreek yogurt
1tbspextra virgin olive oil
1tbspfresh dillchopped
1tsplemon juice
Freshly cracked black pepper
For a Classic Sumac Vinaigrette (Optional Dressing):
4tbspextra virgin olive oil
1clovegarlicgrated
2tspsumac
1lemonjuiced
Instructions
Preparing the Creamy Drizzle and Eggs
To make the drizzle, combine the crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh dill, and lemon juice in a mini food processor or a bowl, using an immersion blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then season it with freshly cracked black pepper to your taste. If you don't have a blender, whisk vigorously in a bowl until mostly smooth and set aside.
Bring a small saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Gently lower the eggs into the water, one at a time, and cook them for precisely 7 minutes for a jammy yolk. Immediately transfer the cooked eggs to a bowl filled with ice water for at least 3 minutes to halt the cooking process. Carefully peel each egg and slice it in half.
Toasting the Hazelnuts
While your eggs are cooking, place the hazelnuts in a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them for 3-4 minutes, tossing them frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly golden. This step enhances their nutty flavor and crunch.
Assembling the Platter
Begin by arranging the crisp baby gem lettuce leaves across your chosen serving platter, creating a vibrant green base.
Next, arrange the cooled Puy lentils, thinly sliced cucumber, flaky smoked trout, and briny capers in distinct sections over the lettuce base. Place the halved jammy eggs on top, adding a pop of color and rich texture.
Finally, generously drizzle the creamy Whipped Feta & Dill Drizzle all over the platter, allowing it to drizzle over the ingredients. Finish with a generous sprinkle of the toasted hazelnuts and finely sliced fresh parsley for an aromatic and visual flourish. Serve immediately.
Notes
The Art of the 'Jammy' Egg: Achieving a 7-minute cook time followed by an ice bath ensures a perfect soft, custard-like yolk and easier peeling.Platter Composition: Arrange ingredients for visual contrast, keeping wet items separate from crunchy ones until serving. Mound lentils and nestle eggs for height and visual interest.Choosing Smoked Trout: Hot-smoked trout is recommended for its firm, flaky texture that complements other platter components.Room Temperature Trout: Allow smoked trout to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its flavors.Make-Ahead: Cook lentils, slice vegetables, and prepare the feta drizzle a day in advance, storing components separately in the refrigerator. Eggs can be boiled ahead, but peel just before serving for the freshest look.Storage: Store leftover components separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not store the entire assembled platter, as lettuce will wilt and textures will diminish.Pro Tips for Success:
Chill the whipped feta drizzle for deeper flavors.
Serve with toasted sourdough bread.
Add small bowls of cornichons or pickled red onions for extra crunch and acidity.
Garnish with fresh dill or parsley just before serving for fresh aroma and vibrant color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Assembling Too Early: Avoid assembling more than 30 minutes before serving to prevent wilting and texture loss.
Overpowering Flavors: Be cautious with strong cheeses; offer them on the side if desired, as they can overwhelm the smoked trout.
Forgetting to Toast Nuts: Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and crunch – don't skip this easy step!
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.