The beetroot-tinged salt-cure in this recipe from Nathan Outlaw infuses the salmon with an exciting earthiness, complemented perfectly with the herbed crackers and tangy paté.
To make the salmon, peel the beetroot and cut into 3cm cubes. Blend the beetroot, fennel seeds, tarragon, sugar and sea salt in a food processor to make the cure
Pin bone and trim the salmon, lay it onto a large tray and pour the cure over. Cover with cling film then leave in the fridge for 10 hours. Turn the salmon over and cure for another 20 hours
1 side of salmon
1/2 side of salmon
3
Tip away the juices, wash off the cure and pat the salmon dry. At this stage your salmon is ready to eat, but you should chill until needed
4
To make the thyme crackers, finely chop the thyme and dice the butter. Combine the remaining ingredients in a mixer until it forms a dough. Divide into 6 balls. Cover in cling film and chill for 1 hour
Roll the dough through a pasta machine, starting at the widest setting and working it down to setting 2. Cut into long, thin triangles, and put on a non-stick baking sheet
6
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C/Gas mark 4 for 12 minutes. Cool and store in an airtight container
7
To make the beetroot, wash the beetroot, cover with water in a pan, add a pinch of salt and a dash of vinegar
Bring to a simmer and cook until the beetroot is soft but not breaking up, which should take about 45 minutes. Leave to cool in the water
9
Peel the beetroot, dice into 1/2 cm cubes and put in a bowl. Finely chop the shallot and garlic, add to the bowl, season and add a dash of vinegar. Cover with olive oil