Potato, Pea Shoot and Smoked Trout Salad
I very seldom bother to attempt what the best cooks can do — wander down the aisles of the store, feel inspired, and bring something marvelous together, first in the brain and then on the plate. For me, that kind of grocery store adventure usually results is some overly-creative concoction involving anchovy paste and jam (true story). I will say, though, that this salad is the result of such an exercise. Who can pass up pea shoots when she sees them for $1.99, and I feel I haven’t nearly enough smoked trout in my life. We happened to — also serendipitously — have a bottle of Loire Valley Muscadet that our downstairs neighbor, a wine rep, had given us. Together, this was a most sublime lunch for a hot afternoon. Dessert was a plum. Would that everything always came together in such an easy and delightful way…
Potato, Pea Shoot, and Smoked Trout Salad
Serves 2
2 smoked trout fillets
2 ounces pea shoots
1-1 1/2 pounds yellow baby potatoes, such as baby Dutch
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
salt & pepper
Bring an inch of water to boil in a large pot, and place a colander (or steamer) inside (potatoes should hover above the water) and steam for 10-12 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, whisk together mustard, oil, and vinegar and season with salt and pepper. When potatoes are done, cut larger ones in half and toss in the vinaigrette until coated. Add pea shoots and gently toss. Divide onto two plates and flake trout over top, one fillet to each portion.
zoe: This is my kind of lunch. I love potatoes, I just wish my boyfriend did! I mean really, what guy doesn’t like potatoes?!!2 years ago
That is quite a cross to bear! I remember once Amy C (I think) saying her guy didn’t like rice. I mean, say wha???2 years ago
rachael: smoked fish is better than non smoked fish.2 years ago
michele rosenthal: I just returned from the market if only I had seen this an hour earlier I would have tried to make it tonight. looks so delicious. oh well maybe tomorrow.2 years ago
there’s always another meal right around the corner…
2 years ago
Jen: I like how you flipped it all around, making the veggies the center of attention and adding the fish as the “garnish.” Lovely!2 years ago
melissa m-f: i will be making this immediately!2 years ago
rhonda35: To market, to market, to buy a smoked trout!2 years ago
Christine S.: had my own moment of epicurean brilliance last night while chatting it up with a friend – my own version of Texas Caviar and Pearls – turned out well by just winging it…very simple…however, most of those adventures off the beaten path of a recipe wind up misadventures in my kitchen! Kudos to taking charge in the kitchen once again!2 years ago
Jen, I didn’t even mean to do that, really!
Melissa, I hope you like it!
Rhonda, Trader Joe’s, if you have one near you, sells them for a song!
Christine. S, Love, love love black-eyed peas (they’re in Texas caviar, right?).2 years ago
Kate: Yum! We have just discovered the delights of pea shoots, and this just looks delicious.2 years ago