When spring and summer roll around, you start looking for something a bit fresher for dinner that would pair wonderfully with a chill wine. And you know us, we are all about finding dishes to enjoy with a glass of our favourite wines. So to get you in a summery mood, here is a zesty recipe for cod tartare with our recommended wine pairings. It’s a brilliant start and a great way to add some zing to the day!
Ingredients (4 people)
350g cod
½ orange or grapefruit
1 lemon or lime
Some kumquats
4 tbsp olive oil
1 small fennel
1 piece of ginger
Salt, pepper
Coriander leaves
Method
Cut the fish into small cubes, then cut the fennel into fine ribbons. Grate the zest of your citrus fruit with a plane grater. Chop the ginger finely.
To prepare the marinade, mix together the lemon juice and orange/grapefruit juice with the olive oil. Add the citrus zest into the marinade along with the ginger. Add salt to taste.
Marinate the fish and fennel in the mixture for 5-10 minutes. This duration can vary depending on the thickness of the fish pieces and the desired texture – the longer you leave it, the more it ‘cooks’ in the acidity of the marinade. Time it based on your own tastes by observing how the colour of the fish changes.
Put the marinated mixture of fish and fennel into a shallow dish. Add some fine ribbons of kumquat on top with some fresh coriander leaves (you can use basil as an alternative).
A bit of pepper will finish it off nicely!
Wine pairings
Since this fish dish is lightly acidic with fresh aromas from the citrus and fennel, you’ll want to pair it with a lively white wine that has good minerality. Whites from the Loire are a good option (Sauvignon, Melon de Bourgogne, Chenin), whether it’s a Muscadet, Vouvray, Saumur, Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé. Riesling is also a good option, particularly the grands crus that are dry, frank and mineral. Another potential success would be a Blanc de Blancs Champagne that will match wonderfully.
Bon appétit!
