MTRA Bistro

Plant-Based Dining & Community Space

Plant-Based Appetizers – Seasonal Starters

These beautiful appetizers showcase fresh seasonal produce and are simple to prepare at home. Whether you're planning a dinner party or looking for creative ways to enjoy summer's bounty, these recipes highlight the vibrant flavors of plant-based ingredients.

Sundried Tomato, Butterbean & Pistachio Pâté

Vegan Gluten-Free Prep: 25 mins Cook: 45 mins
Sundried tomato butterbean pistachio pate served on crusty bread

Perfect for entertaining, this rich and savory pâté is ideal for buffets, picnics, or as a sandwich filling. The sundried tomatoes provide deep umami notes while the pistachios add wonderful texture. For a budget-friendly version, substitute cashews for part of the pistachios.

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Toasted Somerset Goat's Cheese with Bloody Mary Salsa

Vegetarian Serves 6
Toasted Somerset goats cheese with vibrant bloody mary salsa

This elegant starter celebrates local Somerset cheese paired with a zesty, tomato-based salsa inspired by the classic cocktail. The combination of warm, creamy cheese and bright, spicy salsa creates a memorable appetizer that's equally suitable for lunch or as a dinner party opener.

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Smoked Ricotta Terrine with Capers & Raisins

Vegetarian Serves 10+
Elegant smoked ricotta terrine with capers and raisins

An impressive plant-based alternative to smoked salmon, this terrine makes a sophisticated festive appetizer. The smoky ricotta pairs beautifully with sweet raisins and briny capers. Serve with toasted brioche or artisan bread for a memorable start to any special meal.

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Samphire Fritters with Fennel Ceviche & Lemon Thyme

Vegetarian Serves 6
Crispy samphire fritters with fennel ceviche and lemon thyme dressing

Samphire is a wonderfully versatile coastal ingredient packed with nutrients and flavor. In this recipe, it's tempura-battered for delicate, crispy fritters and paired with refreshing fennel ceviche. Foraging for samphire makes for a delightful summer outing, and the plant's natural saltiness means no additional seasoning is needed.

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Pan-Fried Courgette Flowers with Goat's Cheese & Raz-al-Hanout Couscous

Vegetarian Serves 6
Pan fried courgette flowers stuffed with goats cheese on moroccan spiced couscous

This vibrant midsummer dish celebrates the beauty of courgette flowers, which deserve to move beyond fine dining menus. The delicate blossoms are filled with creamy goat's cheese and pine nuts, then pan-fried until golden. Served on fragrant Moroccan-spiced couscous, this is a wonderful way to use the abundance of summer squash from your garden.

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