Spring’s seasonal soft, young goats cheeses here deliciously take on the flavours of mediterranean herbs by being marinated with them in olive oil. Only good, fresh-tasting, aromatic extra virgin olive oil will do as it is so front and centre to the quality of the finished dish. The leftover infused oil can be kept in a well-sealed, sterilised bottle for use in dressings etc.
Servings: 4
170g soft goats cheese
6 basil leaves
2 tbsp oregano leaves
2 tbsp rosemary leaves
grated zest of a lemon
¼ tsp chilli flakes
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
approx 300ml mild and fruity extra virgin olive oil
1 large ridge cucumber
4 tsp moscatel vinegar
1½tsp fine salt
1 tbsp chopped mint leaves
4 handfuls rocket
3 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
Slice the goats cheese approximately 1cm thick. Sit them in a single layer in a dish and scatter over the basil, oregano and rosemary (scrunching at the herbs to release the oils), lemon zest, chilli flakes, garlic, salt and pepper. Toss and pour over enough olive oil to immerse the cheese. Cover. If the dish will be eaten soon, let it sit at room temperature for an hour; otherwise leave to marinate for up to 3 days in the fridge and be sure to return it to room temperature before serving.
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin from one edge of the cucumber. Discard (or eat it, or use to garnish a gin and tonic) and then keep peeling more ribbons which should now be edged by a thin strip of green skin. Go as far as the seeds, then repeat on the opposite side of the cucumber. Do the remaining two sides of the cucumber and then pile all the ribbons into a bowl. Sprinkle over the vinegar and salt, loosely toss the ribbons with your fingers, and set aside for 10 mins for the flavours to meld together. Sprinkle over the chopped mint and toss again.
Spread the rocket on a serving plate and arrange the goats cheese slices over . Lift some of the herbs out of the oil marinade, tearing and sprinkling over the cheese. Arrange the cucumber ribbons over the top, sprinkle with pine nuts, and drizzle over the marinade as needed. Serve.