Amid the madness of our world turned upside down by COVID-19 and its lingering effects, we managed a small, heartfelt family gathering after months of lockdown. It felt surreal, almost clandestine, until Dad brought out the Snoek! With the braaivleis fire crackling, the girls playing and laughing, I realized that nothing else mattered. We needed to make new memories, adapt, and just be present.
After savoring a hearty meal of smoked snoek with traditional side dishes, we had some leftover white meat. Dad disappeared for a moment and returned with a delightful recipe for Snoek Pâté. It’s simple, incredibly tasty, and perfect for those leftover chunks of snoek. Here’s how you can recreate this delicious treat:
South African Snoek Pâté
Ingredients:
- 200g Smoked Snoek
- 250ml Tub Smooth Cottage Cheese
- A dash of freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
- ¼ Cup good quality Mayonnaise
- 1 Small Onion, finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh Coriander or Parsley
- ¼ Teaspoon Paprika
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Snoek: Remove the skin and bones from the snoek. Flake the fish into small pieces.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, lemon juice, mayonnaise, onion, coriander (or parsley), paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Add the Snoek: Add the flaked snoek to the processor. Pulse gently to mix, making sure the snoek pieces remain somewhat chunky.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve: Enjoy your Snoek Pâté with crackers or Melba toast. It’s a delightful, savory spread that brings a touch of South African flavor to any table.
Create Your Own Memories: Make this recipe part of your family traditions and teach your kids how to whip up this easy, delicious South African dish. It’s a simple way to celebrate togetherness and create new, cherished memories. Enjoy every bite and every moment!
