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by Valentine Warner

A jar of this fresh-tasting smoked mackerel pâté is great to serve as a starter or to pack for a picnic. This no-cook starter is unbelievably easy to whizz up and costs very little.

Starters & nibbles

Buyer's guide

Available both fresh and frozen year round, smoked mackerel is one of the least expensive and most popular of all smoked fish.

Preparation

Smoked mackerel is brined before smoking, then kiln-smoked so that it is cooked. It requires little further preparation, but it’s worth checking it for bones. The skin will peel away easily and the flesh can be mashed for use in a sandwich filler or flaked for use in salads. Flavours such as hot horseradish and low-fat dairy products such as fromage frais and lemon all work well with this fish as they cut through its richness.