IONA-inspired Zakuski Platter

Ingredients

While the original Russian Zakuski typically features a variety of cold appetizers, the IONA-inspired Zakuski Platter takes inspiration from the Islands of the North Atlantic. This adaptation incorporates the flavors and ingredients commonly found in the cuisines of the Atlantic islands, such as fresh seafood and roasted root vegetables. The use of local herbs and spices adds a unique twist to the dish, creating a fusion of flavors that celebrates the culinary traditions of the region. We alse have the original recipe for Zakuski, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7oz) smoked salmon 200g (7oz) smoked salmon
• 200g (7oz) cooked mussels 200g (7oz) cooked mussels
• 200g (7oz) roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, and potatoes) 200g (7oz) roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, and potatoes)
• 100g (3.5oz) pickled herring 100g (3.5oz) pickled herring
• 100g (3.5oz) local cheese, sliced 100g (3.5oz) local cheese, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh dill, for garnish Fresh dill, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Slice the smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces.
2. 2.
   Arrange the smoked salmon, cooked mussels, roasted root vegetables, pickled herring, and sliced cheese on a platter.
3. 3.
   Garnish with thinly sliced red onion, fresh dill, and parsley.
4. 4.
   Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Smoked salmon — Ensure the salmon is thinly sliced for easy consumption.
• Cooked mussels — Remove any shells or beards before adding them to the platter.
• Roasted root vegetables — Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces for a balanced presentation.
• Pickled herring — Drain the herring and pat it dry before placing it on the platter.
• Local cheese — Choose a cheese that complements the flavors of the seafood and vegetables.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, marinate the red onion slices in lemon juice for a few minutes before adding them to the platter.
• Serve the Zakuski Platter with freshly baked bread or crackers for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different types of local cheese to add variety to the platter.
• Add a touch of sweetness by including a small bowl of lingonberry jam as a condiment.
• Enhance the presentation by arranging the ingredients in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Serving advice

Serve the IONA-inspired Zakuski Platter as an appetizer or as part of a larger spread. Encourage guests to mix and match the different components to create their own flavor combinations. Provide small plates and cocktail forks for easy serving.

Presentation advice

Arrange the ingredients on a large wooden platter or a decorative serving dish. Use the vibrant colors of the seafood, vegetables, and herbs to create an eye-catching display. Garnish with lemon wedges and sprigs of fresh herbs for an added touch of elegance.