Mackerel with tomato sauce baked

Name: Mackerel with tomato sauce baked - Lelia A.
Ingredients: 4 pieces of mackerel; 3 tomatoes; 3 onions; ½ head of garlic; 1 whole lemon (medium); juice of one lemon; 1 tablespoon of pepper paste; 1 bay leaf; dried basil; a bunch of parsley; salt; pepper; 30 ml of oil; 100 ml of white wine

Over - Mackerel with tomato sauce baked by Lelia A. - Recipia

To prepare a delicious baked fish, we start by preparing the ingredients and ensuring we have everything at hand. The first step is to clean the fish. We carefully remove the intestines, heads, tails, and fins, making sure the fish remains in the best condition for cooking. After cleaning the fish, we wash it thoroughly under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities. Once it is clean, we generously salt and pepper both sides, then drizzle it with fresh lemon juice. This step will not only add flavor but also help tenderize the meat. We let the fish sit in the refrigerator for at least half an hour to marinate well in the spices. Meanwhile, we prepare the tomato sauce. In a pot, we heat the oil over medium heat. We add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant. It is important not to let them burn, as the bitterness could ruin the taste. Once the onion and garlic are softened, we add the peeled and diced tomatoes. We sauté them together for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Then, we incorporate the diluted pepper paste into the white wine, which will add a hint of sweetness and a deep flavor to the sauce. We remember to add the bay leaf, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. We let the sauce simmer on low heat so that the flavors blend harmoniously, and then we transfer it to a baking dish. We place the marinated fish on top of the sauce. It is essential not to turn the fish during baking to avoid breaking it apart. However, during baking, we baste the fish occasionally with the sauce from the dish to keep it moist and flavorful. We preheat the oven to medium temperature and place the dish inside. We let the fish bake for about an hour and a quarter, or until the meat becomes tender and nicely browned. Five minutes before the end, we add lemon slices over the fish and chopped herbs. This will give a fresh appearance and a vibrant flavor to the dish. In the end, we take the dish out of the oven and enjoy a savory preparation that can be served alongside a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad. This recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, ideal for a family meal or a dinner with friends.