Savoury puffs with egg and lumpfish roe

Babiche Martens

Choux pastry is easy; you can make it ahead of time and even freeze half for the next occasion. These choux puffs make a pleasant change from blini or crostini. True beluga caviar is for the rich and famous. In Russia it's served on pearl spoons. Here, local supermarkets sell lumpfish roe, the cheap but effective alternative, and salmon roe is available at fishmongers. It is traditionally served with chopped egg in a good quality mayonnaise - ideally one you've made yourself. Makes approx 30.

Choux puffs

½ cup	Water
60 g	Butter
½ cup	Flour, sifted
¼ tsp	Salt
2	Eggs

Filling

6	Eggs, hard-boiled (Main)
1 Tbsp	Onion, grated
2 Tbsp	Mayonnaise
1 Tbsp	Sour cream
1 jar	Caviar, black or red (Main)
2 Tbsp	Fresh dill, chopped, plus some whole leaves to garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 200C.
2. To make the choux, place the water and butter into a pot over a gentle heat. When the butter has melted and the water just come to the boil remove from the heat and add the flour and salt.
3. Beat until smooth and the mixture leaves the side of the pan. Leave to cool for 20 minutes.
4. Whisk the eggs into the pastry. This is easiest with an electric beater, until the mixture is shiny and smooth. Pipe or spoon teaspoons on to baking paper. Place into the hot oven for 15-20 minutes until puffy and firm to touch. Reduce the heat to 150C and leave for a further 10-15 minutes. If possible, turn off the oven and leave to cool in there. I place a wooden spoon in the door to let the steam escape.
5. To make the filling, chop the eggs small, add the onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper and dill. Mix well to combine.
6. Cut the tops off the puffs. Spoon the egg mixture into the puffs. Top with a little caviar and a sprig of dill and serve.