Spicy Avocado Tartlets with Smoked Salmon

Spicy Avocado Tartlets with Smoked Salmon

Whether you’re hosting an elegant soirée or a casual gathering, these canapés are sure to be a favourite. Their presentation on the plate adds a touch of sophistication to your spread, while their bold flavours leave a lasting impression on your guests.

With just 20 minutes of preparation time, these appetisers are not only delicious but also convenient, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your loved ones and creating memorable moments together.

What makes these easy party appetisers even more appealing is their ability to combine traditional flavours in a contemporary presentation. The classic pairing of smoked salmon and avocado gets a modern twist with the addition of jalapeño, garlic, lime, and coriander, creating a fusion of culinary influences that is both comforting and enjoyable.

The indulgent touch of caviar with it’s briny pop of flavour adds a luxurious element to the dish. The tiny, glistening pearls of caviar not only elevate the visual appeal of the canapé but also contribute a harmonious flavour profile that lingers on your palate.

These versatile canapés are perfect for a wide range of occasions, from elegant weddings and engagement parties to celebratory graduation gatherings or even casual Friday night drinks paired with a glass of bubbly. No cooking required!

As a creature of habit who appreciates the reliability of trusty base ingredients, it’s refreshing to discover how a simple change in presentation and a few additional elements can transform familiar flavours into a whole new food experience.

By infusing a little creativity into the preparation and incorporating complementary ingredients, you can easily elevate these bite size treats to suit various occasions and preferences.

For a wedding or engagement party, consider embellishing these canapés with edible flowers or delicate microgreens, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.

Graduation celebrations can be enhanced by incorporating symbolic toppings, such as tiny graduation cap decorations made from edible materials. And for casual gatherings or Friday night drinks, play with different textures and garnishes to create a more relaxed yet visually appealing spread.

The beauty of these canapés lies in their simplicity and adaptability. Whether you prefer a classic approach or enjoy experimenting with new flavours and presentations, these easy party appetisers offer a canvas for culinary creativity.

With a small effort and a dash of imagination, you can transform your favourite base ingredients into delicious treats.

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Spicy Avocado Tartlets with Smoked Salmon

You Will Need:

• Shortcrust Pastry Tartlet Shells: I buy these ready made shells at select Supermarkets/ delis, They are perfect as a base for any canape- sweet or savoury. You don’t have to cook them but you have the option to do so. I have not for this particular recipe. If you are cooking- follow directions on pack as there are different sizes. Make sure you cool before filling.
• Ripe but Firm Avocado: When selecting avocados, choose ones that are ripe but still firm to the touch. You want the vibrant green colour.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Lime juice brings a zesty, citrusy freshness to the dish, balancing the richness of the avocado and smoked salmon. It adds a bright, tangy flavour that enhances the overall taste.
• Fresh Coriander: Also known as cilantro, fresh coriander leaves provide a burst of herbal freshness and a hint of citrus. They add a vibrant green color and a refreshing flavour that complements the other ingredients. You can be fairly generous with your handful of coriander.
• Garlic Cloves: Garlic adds depth and complexity to the dish, with its pungent, aromatic flavour. When minced or finely chopped, garlic infuses the tartlets with a distinct savoury taste. Add to your liking. I tend to go with 2-3 cloves.
• Fresh Jalapeño: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, fresh jalapeño peppers are the perfect addition. Diced or thinly sliced, they add a spicy kick that contrasts with the creaminess of the avocado and the richness of the smoked salmon.
• Sea Salt: Season with salt. I use Sea salt or Himalayan salt.
• Smoked Salmon: Smoked salmon lends a luxurious, savoury note to the tartlets. Its delicate, briny flavour pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and tangy lime juice, creating a balance of tastes and textures.
• Crème Fraîche: This rich and tangy dairy product adds a gorgeous creaminess to the tartlets. Its slightly sour flavour enhances the overall richness of the dish while providing a smooth contrast to the other ingredients.
• Garlic Chives: These aromatic herbs add a delicate onion flavour with a hint of garlic.
• Caviar: Caviar adds a touch of elegance and indulgence to the tartlets but is totally optional. You can use Black, red or orange providing a luxurious finishing touch. Caviar is pretty easy to source at most supermarkets here in Australia.

Instructions:

1. You don’t necessarily need to heat the shells if you buy the pre cooked ones & your choice if you want to cooked them anyway. Have a look on the packet to see if they require cooking. If so, Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the pastry tartlet shells package. Bake the tartlet shells until they are golden brown and crispy (approx 6mins). Let them cool completely before filling.
2. In a mini food processor, combine the avocado, lime juice, fresh coriander, garlic cloves, salt and fresh jalapeño. Blend until you get a smooth and creamy avocado mixture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the finely chopped smoked salmon with crème fraîche and garlic chives until well combined or blend in chopper.
4. Spoon a teaspoon of the spicy avocado mixture into each cooled tartlet shell, spreading it evenly on the bottom. If you use small pastry shells the avocado should fill the shell to the top.
5. Next, spoon a rounded spoonful of the smoked salmon mixture on top of the avocado layer in each tartlet shell, creating a nice mound. I use a melon baller.
6. Finally, top each tartlet with a small dollop (about 1/4 teaspoon) of caviar, adding a touch of luxury and flavour. You can use Black or red caviar- Red is a nice colour contrast.
7. Arrange the filled tartlet shells on a serving platter and garnish with additional chopped coriander or a lime wedge if desired.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Spicy Avocado Tartlets with Smoked Salmon

Recipe

(Serves 12 Prep 20mins)

Ingredients

• 12 Pastry tartlet shells
• 1 ripe but firm Avocado cut in ½ & seed removed
• Juice of ½ Lime
• Handful of Coriander
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt
• 1 fresh Jalapeño
• 100g Smoked Salmon
• 2 tsp Crème fraîche
• 2 Tbsp Garlic Chives

Method

• In a mini processor, blend the avocado, coriander, jalapeño, garlic, salt & lime juice
• Process smoked salmon, creme fraiche & garlic chives
• Spoon a tsp of spicy avocado into each tartlet shell
• Spoon a rounded spoonful of salmon mixture on top of the avocado
• Spoon ¼ tsp caviar on top
• Serve & enjoy!

Helpful Tips

You can purchase both savoury and sweet tartlet shells, the choice is yours but it is a savoury dish so savoury tartlet shells are preferable.

You can you finely chopped raw salmon as opposed to smoked and add some seafood sauce or a little peri peri.

You can add salt to the dish to your taste but remember that both the smoked salmon and the caviar are salty.

You could use a melon baller to scoop the salmon onto the avocado get a nice dome shape.

You could also top with cooked prawns instead of the smoked Salmon.

Salmon roe look even more decadent but are more difficult to find- try fish market or online.

Spotlight

Caviar

Often thought of as a delicacy, caviar is readily available at the supermarket or fish market and a relatively cost effective garnish for your appetisers. In fact a little goes a long way.

The most common caviar variety in Australia is lump fish caviar and it comes in both black and red. For an even more luxurious variety, Salmon roe is orange in colour and the spheres are larger.

Nutritionally, caviar carries key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and selenium. Both of which play key roles in supporting the immune system.

Omega-3 fatty acids help in the anti-inflammatory response and potentially aid in the repair of skin, gut, and lung barriers which may help to prevent germs from entering your body.

Wine Pairing Suggestions:

Sauvignon Blanc: This wine pairs well with dishes that have citrusy flavours (lime in this case), herbs like coriander, and light, fresh seafood like smoked salmon. Its crisp acidity complements the creaminess of avocado and Crème fraîche.

Chardonnay: A lightly oaked Chardonnay can also be a good match. It can handle the richness of the avocado and Crème fraîche while adding a touch of buttery flavour that complements the smoked salmon.

Pinot Grigio: Another option for white wine is Pinot Grigio, which offers refreshing acidity and light fruitiness that can balance the flavours of the dish without overwhelming them.

Rosé: A dry rosé with notes of red berries and a refreshing acidity can complement the smoked salmon and avocado while providing a vibrant contrast to the herbs and chilli.

Sparkling Wine: If you prefer something bubbly, a sparkling wine like Prosecco or Champagne can be a perfect choice. The effervescence can cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the overall taste experience.