Recipe
Beetroot, Goat's Cheese and Bacon Salad
Earthy beetroot, crisp bacon and warm goat's cheese with peppery leaves and a sharp mustard dressing.
This spring starter pairs lightly cooked asparagus with buttery morel mushrooms and a punchy mustard dressing enriched with chopped duck eggs.
It looks restaurant-worthy on the plate, but the cooking is straightforward: make the dressing, cook the vegetables quickly, then spoon everything together while warm.
If you are using dried morels, soak them in hot water for 20 minutes until soft, then lift them out, rinse away any grit and pat them dry.
Whisk the shallot, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar and 4 tablespoons of olive oil together in a bowl, then season the dressing with salt and black pepper.
Lower the duck eggs into boiling water and cook for 6 minutes, then cool them in cold water, peel them and chop them into small pieces.
Bring a wide pan of salted water to the boil, add the asparagus and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender, then drain and toss with the butter.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan, fry the morels for 2 to 3 minutes, add the Madeira and bubble until the liquid reduces to a light glaze.
Fold the chopped duck eggs and parsley through 3 tablespoons of the dressing, then taste and adjust the seasoning.
Arrange the asparagus on four plates, spoon over the morels and finish with the duck egg dressing just before serving.
Keep cooking
Recipe
Earthy beetroot, crisp bacon and warm goat's cheese with peppery leaves and a sharp mustard dressing.
Recipe
Tender asparagus, smoked ham and soft poached duck eggs finished with a warm lemony hollandaise for a proper brunch or light lunch.
Recipe
Golden puff pastry spirals wrapped around tender asparagus with cream cheese and Parmesan make an easy nibble, starter or springtime side.
Recipe
Tender globe artichokes served warm with a smoky bacon mayonnaise dip — an old-school starter that feels a bit special without being fussy.
Recipe
Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a crunchy carrot, mushroom, spring onion and orange filling with a gentle chilli kick.
Recipe
Warm almond-crusted goat’s cheese with sticky balsamic beetroot, peppery rocket and a crisp nutty coating — an easy starter that feels dinner-party ready.