Cured Salmon, Asparagus and Soft Boiled Eggs

Cure: Combine the sugar, salt, pepper, zests, pernod and the dill in a bowl – the mixture will look like wet sand.

Cover a shallow, non-reactive tray with plastic wrap and place the salmon on top, skin side down. Spread the cure evenly over the salmon, ensuring all the flesh is covered. Wrap tightly and place a bread board on top. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The longer the salmon is cured, the firmer the flesh becomes. If you prefer a very moist, lightly cured flavour, leave for only 8-10 hours.

Unwrap the salmon and drain off the liquid. Wipe off the curing mixture with a clean, damp cloth and discard. Use a very sharp, flexible knife to cut the salmon into thin slices. Arrange on a large serving platter.
Bring a pan of water to the boil and add the eggs. Cook at a steady simmer for 4 minutes from when the water returns to the boil. Cool the eggs under cold running water. Drain then place the eggs on the platter along with the asparagus and lemon wedges.

Horseradish sauce: Combine the sour cream and horseradish, season and tip into a serving bowl.

To serve: Place the platter in the middle of the table. Pass the breads, butter and horseradish sauce separately. Serves 8

* To remove pin bones from salmon: Fillets almost always contain small pin bones. To remove them, first run your finger down the center of the fillet, pushing down gently so the bones pop out slightly as they are located. Using a pair of tweezers or needle-nose pliers, pull out each bone carefully and with the grain, to avoid tearing the flesh.