Save Celebrate the artistry of fresh, bold flavors with Lucky Clover Seasonal Starters, an elegant trio of seasonal appetizers gracefully arranged to mimic a clover leaf. This contemporary French-inspired dish blends vibrant green pea purée, roasted beet carpaccio, and a luscious goat cheese and pistachio mousse, creating a visually stunning and palate-pleasing experience perfect for any gathering.
Save This recipe transforms humble seasonal produce into an artistic appetizer that is both refreshing and satisfying. The harmonious blend of sweet peas, earthy beets, and creamy goat cheese mousse is accented by crisp garnishes and optional edible flowers, adding a gourmet touch to your table.
Ingredients
- Green Pea & Mint Purée
- 200 g fresh or frozen green peas
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp crème fraîche
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Roasted Beet Carpaccio
- 2 small cooked beets, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper
- Goat Cheese & Pistachio Mousse
- 120 g fresh goat cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mascarpone cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 2 tbsp shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Garnish
- Handful of baby arugula leaves
- Edible flowers (optional)
- Extra chopped pistachios
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Green Pea & Mint Purée:
- In a small saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté shallot until translucent. Add peas and cook for 2–3 minutes (longer if frozen). Drain and rinse under cold water. Blend peas, mint, crème fraîche, salt, and pepper until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
- 2. Prepare the Roasted Beet Carpaccio:
- Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Arrange beet slices on a plate and drizzle with the dressing. Chill.
- 3. Prepare the Goat Cheese & Pistachio Mousse:
- In a bowl, mix goat cheese, mascarpone, lemon juice, chives, and black pepper until creamy. Fold in chopped pistachios. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up.
- 4. Assemble the Starters:
- On each plate, arrange three leaves in a clover shape: one scoop green pea purée, one beet slice, and one quenelle of goat cheese mousse. Garnish with baby arugula, edible flowers, and extra pistachios. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Take care when slicing the beets thinly to ensure delicate, even carpaccio leaves for the clover design. Chill the purée and mousse thoroughly for ease of plating and to maintain their shapes. Use a quenelle technique for a refined presentation of the goat cheese mousse.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This vegetarian recipe can be veganized by using plant-based crème fraîche and cheese alternatives. For added freshness, incorporate microgreens into the garnish and experiment with different nuts if pistachios are unavailable.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these starters as an elegant beginning to any meal, ideally paired with a dry Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp sparkling wine to complement the fresh and creamy flavors.
Save With attention to detail and quality ingredients, Lucky Clover Seasonal Starters will delight your guests with its elegant appearance and refreshing flavors. Enjoy the perfect balance of textures and the charm of a dish that celebrates the best of the season.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prepare the green pea and mint purée?
Sauté chopped shallots in olive oil until translucent, cook peas briefly, then blend with fresh mint, crème fraîche, salt, and pepper until smooth. Chill before serving.
- → What is the best way to slice the roasted beets?
Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut the cooked beets into thin, even slices for delicate carpaccio presentation.
- → Can I make the goat cheese mousse ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mousse mixture and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to firm up before assembling.
- → What garnishes enhance the dish visually and flavor-wise?
Baby arugula leaves, edible flowers, and extra chopped pistachios add vibrant color and complementary textures.
- → Are there suitable wine pairings for this starter trio?
Dry Sauvignon Blanc or crisp sparkling wines pair well, balancing the fresh and creamy flavors elegantly.