Smoked Salmon & Chestnut Crumble with a Spicy Kick

This recipe celebrates the bounty of Halifax, a coastal town steeped in history and a truly robust food culture. It’s a bit decadent, but the smoky salmon and earthy chestnuts make it utterly irresistible. The paprika adds a warm, almost ancient, note, perfectly capturing the spirit of the place.

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Smoked Salmon:
  • 8 oz Smoked Salmon (choose a good quality, dark-smoked variety)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• For the Chestnut Crumble:
  • 1 cup Fresh Chestnuts (peeled and halved) - *Important: Use young, sweet chestnuts for the best flavour!*
  • 1/2 cup Rolled Oats
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
  • 2 tbsp Butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
  • Pinch of Salt
• For the Spicy Kick:
  • 1 tsp Chili Flakes (or more, to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • A tiny pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional, for extra warmth)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chestnuts: Boil the chestnuts until tender. Drain well. Then, cut them into roughly 1-inch pieces.
2. Make the Crumble: In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, butter, paprika, cinnamon, and salt. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the mixture until it forms a coarse crumble.
3. Assemble the Crumble: Spread the crumble mixture evenly on a baking sheet. Top with the smoked salmon, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the salmon is cooked through. It should be slightly puffed up.
5. Serve: Serve warm, immediately, with a dollop of crème fraîche or a drizzle of honey. A crusty piece of bread is a must!

History & Halifax Connection: The chestnut harvest in Halifax is legendary. They’ve been a staple in local cuisine for centuries, and the combination of smoked salmon and chestnuts is a true representation of the region's hearty, seafaring heritage. It’s a dish that truly embodies the spirit of the city!

This recipe is influenced by my childhood spent wandering the beaches of Halifax, foraging for wild berries, and enjoying a simple, honest meal with good company. It's a reminder of the power of simple, well-made food – and a little bit of mischief!