Everyone loves a good appetizer. They’re simple and tasty. Appetizers are the foreplay of meals. Great appetizers get you in the mood; they get you excited about what else lays in store for you. So if you are hosting a dinner for friends and family we have the perfect appetizer, the one that will welcome your guests to the Italian flavors and will set the bar high for the main dish.
Ready in just 15 minutes, this cheese waffle with couscous and salmon seasoned with saffron sauce will be the perfect way to welcome your guests and prepare them for your main dish! Bring on the ingredients and let’s dive in yet another simple and delicious couscous recipe.
Here is how to prepare the cheese waffle couscous with salmon:
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 10 minutes
- Portions: 4 people
Recipe by Simona Novarini
Ingredients:
- 150 ml of water
- 150 grams of Martino Couscous
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 50 grams of grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- 100 grams of smoked salmon
- 200 ml of cream
- 1 bag of saffron
- Black pepper as needed
Preparation
Hydrate the Couscous:
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, pour 150 ml of water, add a pinch of salt and one 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Bring to a simmer.
Turn off the heat and pour evenly 150 grams of Martino Couscous. Cover with a lid and let the couscous absorb all the water slowly for about 4-5 minutes. After the necessary time, fluff the couscous with the help of a fork.
Cut the smoked salmon into small pieces, add it to the couscous and sauté for a few minutes to add extra flavor to the couscous.
Prepare the cheese waffle
Place a small non-stick pan over the heat and leave it for a few minutes to warm up. When ready pout 50 grams of grated Parmigiano Reggiano and spread it well. Let the cheese melt evenly.
Place a small mixing bowl upside down and line it with parchment paper. When the cheese becomes golden, remove it with the help of a spatula and place it on top of the parchment paper.
Use your hands to press and give shape the shape of a basket to the melted Parmigiano cheese. When satisfied with the shape, let it cool down. Repeat the same process to create three more cheese waffles.
Prepare the saffron sauce
In a small saucepan pour 200 ml of cooking cream and heat it lightly. Add saffron and stir well until the cream is well-melted and has taken the color of the saffron evenly.
Serving
Place the cheese waffles on small plates. With the help of a spoon fill the crunchy baskets with the salmon-couscous mixture. Pour on top 1-2 tablespoons of the saffron cream and add a pinch of black pepper on top.
Your cheese waffles with salmon and couscous are ready to serve! A great appetizer for the first glasses of white wine. Ideally, it should be followed by a fish based main dish.
Whether you are going to a high-end restaurant or at a friend’s house, you will most likely be served an appetizer before the main course, to accompany your aperitif drinks. Appetizers prepare the guests for what is to follow they do exactly what their name says to open the appetite for more! So next time you host a dinner make sure to grab this recipe and get ready to dazzle your guests. And don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter to receive all the delicious Martino’s recipes directly in your inbox!
Make sure you have this recipe handy in your kitchen drawers. If unexpected guests come over you’ll be proud to serve a restaurant snack in just less than 10 minutes. The crunchy Parmigiano waffle combines with the soft couscous and salmon, and the creamy saffron sauce is the perfect combination of simple ingredients that leave a home cook proud after hosting a dinner for friends and family. Try it out and don’t forget to leave a comment to tell us all about it.
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