Vegetarian Recipes - Starters
These delightful starters are easy to make, and in early summer use in some cases unusual, but easy to find ingredients (samphire, courgette flowers) which never fail to please.
• Makes 2 large jam-jars full • Prep time 25 mins • Cook time 45 mins
This is great on a buffet table with some good bread to spread it on or in sandwiches for a picnic. The rich savouriness of the sundried tomatoes give this pate it’s really satisfying flavour. Pistachios can be expensive so you can cut costs a little by swapping in cashews in their place.
• Serves 6
This nice local goat's cheese makes a lovely starter/ lunch dish. Halving the Capricorns is a nice size and the salsa is quick and easy to make.
• Makes ten + portions
This simple terrine or pâté makes a delicious alternative to smoked salmon as a festive appetiser. Its great served with toasted brioche or good crusty bread. You could also do a 'potted' smoked ricotta in ramekins.
• Serves 6
Samphire is wonderfully adaptable. It can be used as a warm salad with, for example, gooseberry and halloumi; or as a starter sautéed with pickled peppers and hollaindaise sauce. In this recipe the samphire tempoura's beautifully. It's teaming with nutrients, flavour and texture and makes a great mission day out to go and pick.
• Serves 6
This dish screams of July with its vibrant colours and textures and floral flavours.
A Mediterranean old school favourite, using courgette flowers should really break out of their fine dining image in the UK. There always seems to be a glut of courgettes, using the flowers is a truly rewarding alternative to ratatouille or giant stuffed marrows!
