Recipe for a relaxed alfresco lunch

My favourite BBQ dish

We’ve had a blast of summer heat this week and it’s got me dreaming of alfresco dining with family and friends. As the Easter bank holiday is fast approaching, I have shared below my favourite recipe for this time of the year. This dish can be cooked on the fire or in the oven, depending on how the mood takes you or how the British weather behaves. I have to say I do prefer it on the barbecue as this way of cooking makes it very difficult to overcook the fish and gets a nice smoky barbecue flavour throughout the dish.

Stuffed BBQ Salmon ….

Ingredients

·      Two whole sides of salmon

·      Two bags of ready-made microwavable rice

·      Two lemons (zest and juice)

·      Handful of edamame beans

·      Handful of peas

·      Two handfuls of parsley (chopped)

·      Handful of mint (chopped finely)

·      150g of feta (cubed)

·      Half a jar of sun-dried tomatoes (sliced)

·      Half a jar of marinated peppers (sliced)

·      Salt and pepper

·      Cedar plank

·      Optional - 1 packet of streaky bacon (enough to cover one side of salmon)

BBQ set up & Method

Barbecue setup
To make this you need a barbecue with a lid. Depending on the barbecue you have, try and get it to around 180c with the lid on and have the coals (if it isn’t gas) spread evenly under the grill.

Method
Microwave the rice as per the packet instructions and add it to a bowl with all the other ingredients with plenty of salt and pepper. Lay one side of salmon skin side down on the cedar plank(unsoaked) and then top it with the rice mixture. Add the other half of the salmon with skin side up (optional: layer the streaky bacon over the top of the fish) and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on the barbecue with the lid off and give it a little while for the wood to catch fire a little. Then, place the lid down and let it cook for approximately 45 minutes or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 58c and then rested for about five minutes while you serve up.

Table Decorations

Keep your table decorations simple, such as linens for tablecloths and napkins, earthy colours mixed with fresh greens and blues and recycled glassware and vintage crockery for that relaxed homely atmosphere. If you are dining alfresco, invest in a few blankets, decorative lighting and candles and you’ll be enjoying your garden from lunch right through to supper.

Let the sun shine…

Happy cooking and Happy Easter! Wishing you and your family a Easter filled with love, joy and lots of food.