Trout Gravadlax with Broad Bean and Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 50g (2oz) sea salt (Maldon or Cornish)
• 30g (11/4oz) caster sugar
• 1tsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 15g (1/2oz) bunch dill
• 4 trout fillets, approx 120g (41/2oz) each, all bones removed, skin on
• 2tsp Cognac

For the salad:

• 1dsp Dijon mustard
• 1tsp caster sugar
• 1dsp white wine vinegar
• 3dsp groundnut or other flavourless oil
• 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped
• 300g (10oz) broad beans (shelled weight), blanched, outer skin removed
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled, deseeded, halved lengthways and thinly sliced

Method

1. To make the gravadlax cure, mix together the salt, sugar, black pepper and a few roughly chopped sprigs of dill. Place the trout fillets on a large plate or plastic tray. Sprinkle the Cognac evenly over the fillets and then sprinkle over the salt and sugar mixture. Place a sheet of greaseproof paper over the trout fillets, place a plate or tray on top and then weight down the trout with a couple of tins. Place in the fridge for 24 hours. After this time, wash the trout fillets well under cold water to remove the cure and pat dry.

2. Finely chop the remaining dill and sprinkle evenly over each trout fillet, pressing down well. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

3. To make the salad, place the Dijon mustard, sugar and vinegar in a bowl, stir well then gradually whisk in the oil. Add the shallots, broad beans and cucumber and mix well.

4. To serve, thinly slice the trout fillets from the tail end. Divide evenly between the plates, along with the broad bean and cucumber salad, and serve. The gravadlax will keep for 4 days covered in the fridge.