With the holidays just around the corner, the search for quick yet impressive Christmas starters is on. If you’re looking to skip the usual suspects like foie gras or scallops and try something new, we’ve got the perfect recipe for you: a delicious and festive verrine that’s sure to be a hit. Best of all, you can make it in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients for This Simple and Flavorful Verrine
To prepare four servings, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 slices of smoked salmon or trout
- 100g of fresh cream cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 50g of garlic and herb cheese (like Boursin)
- Chopped chives
- A small jar of trout roe (optional but highly recommended!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s where the magic happens. This recipe is simple to prepare and, most importantly, quick. You’ll need just 15 minutes to get everything ready, and the end result will have your guests wondering how you did it!
- Prepare the Avocado: Start by peeling the avocado and mashing it in a bowl using a fork. Aim for a smooth and creamy texture, with no chunks. Add the juice of half a lemon, along with salt and pepper to taste (keeping in mind that the smoked salmon or trout will add some saltiness). Stir well.
- Layer the Ingredients: Now it’s time to assemble your verrines! Take four small glasses or jars and spoon the mashed avocado into each one, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Make sure to keep the presentation neat and clean—less is more when it comes to visual appeal.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the fresh cream cheese and garlic & herb cheese until smooth. This will be your second layer, so carefully spoon it over the avocado, creating a lovely contrast in textures.
- Add the Fish: Take the smoked salmon or trout and cut it into small pieces. Layer the fish on top of the cheese mixture, adding a touch of elegance and flavor. You can add more or less depending on your preference.
- Chill and Set: Pop the verrines in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step also helps the layers firm up, making them easier to serve.
- Finishing Touches: Just before serving, take the verrines out of the fridge. Top each one with a few trout roe for a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle with fresh chopped chives, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice. Add a final touch of freshly cracked pepper, and your stunning Christmas starter is ready to impress!
Why This Verrine is Perfect for Christmas
This simple yet elegant dish hits all the right notes for a festive meal. It combines creamy avocado, rich fish, and the fresh zing of lemon and herbs, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s the kind of starter that looks impressive without being time-consuming or complicated.
Whether you’re hosting a small holiday gathering or contributing to a larger meal, these verrines are sure to stand out. They’re easy to make in advance, allowing you to focus on enjoying the festivities rather than spending hours in the kitchen.
So, next time you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and festive starter, look no further than this 15-minute verrine recipe. Your guests will be asking for seconds—and maybe even the recipe!
