Smoked Eel

200g

Smoked eel is a delicacy with a rich, oily flavour that comes from smoking the eel after it's been cleaned and brined. It’s popular in various European cuisines, particularly in the Netherlands, Germany, and parts of the UK. Here's an overview of smoked eel and how you can enjoy it:

How Smoked Eel is Prepared:

1. Cleaning: The eel is first cleaned and gutted.
2. Brining: It is soaked in a salt brine for several hours to enhance its flavour and preserve the fish.
3. Smoking: After brining, the eel is hung and smoked at a low temperature for several hours, which gives it a distinctive smoky flavour and golden-brown color.

How to Serve Smoked Eel:

1. As a Starter:

   • Thinly slice the smoked eel and serve it on toast or dark rye bread.
   • Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
   • Serve with pickles or horseradish cream for a contrast of flavours.

2. In Salads:

   • Flake the smoked eel into pieces and add it to a green salad with ingredients like boiled potatoes, fresh herbs, capers, and a mustard-based vinaigrette.

3. With Eggs:

   • Smoked eel pairs beautifully with scrambled eggs or soft-boiled eggs for a luxurious breakfast or brunch.

4. As Part of a Platter:

   • Include smoked eel on a seafood platter with smoked salmon, oysters, and other smoked fish, accompanied by crackers, sliced onions, and capers.

Storage:

• Smoked eel should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days of purchase.
• It can also be vacuum-sealed and frozen for longer storage.

Smoked eel has a rich, buttery texture with a slightly sweet flavour due to the smoking process, making it a gourmet choice for seafood lovers.