Confit Trout Salad and Grilled Courgette Recipes by Max Rocha 2026

Max Rocha's confit trout salad and grilled courgette with apricot, stracciatella and roasted almonds are perfect summer recipes for entertaining at home. These dishes are designed to be served at room temperature or slightly warm, making them ideal for warm weather gatherings.

Confit Trout Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide

The confit trout salad is a signature dish from Café Cecilia, and it's easy to see why it has become a permanent fixture. The combination of tender confit trout, peppery watercress, and tangy pickled vegetables creates a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Ingredients for the Pickles

To make the pickles, you'll need sugar, white-wine vinegar, salt, cucumber, and breakfast radishes. The pickling liquid is simple: combine water, sugar, vinegar, and salt, then pour over the sliced vegetables.

Preparing the Confit Trout

Season the trout fillets and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat a mixture of sunflower and olive oil with thyme and garlic to 50°C (122°F). Gently cook the trout in the warm oil for 15-20 minutes until just cooked through. Once cooled slightly, remove the skin.

Assembling the Salad

Whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, and white-wine vinegar for the dressing. Toss the watercress with the dressing, then top with the confit trout, pickled cucumber and radishes, and finish with lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and fresh herbs like chervil and dill.

Grilled Courgette with Apricot, Stracciatella, and Roasted Almonds

This dish is a beautiful complement to the trout salad. Grilled courgettes are topped with sweet apricots, creamy stracciatella cheese, and crunchy roasted almonds. It's a simple yet elegant side that highlights seasonal produce.

How to Prepare the Grilled Courgette

Slice courgettes lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and grill until charred and tender. Arrange on a platter, then scatter with sliced apricots, torn stracciatella, and roasted almonds. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Comparison: Confit Trout Salad vs. Grilled Courgette Dish

Key Takeaways for Home Cooks

• Both recipes can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for entertaining.
• Confit trout is a gentle cooking method that keeps the fish moist and flavorful.
• Pickled vegetables add a bright, tangy contrast to rich fish.
• Grilled courgette with apricots and stracciatella is a quick, elegant side dish.
• These dishes are easily scaled up for larger gatherings.

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