Mackerel stuffed with greens

Stuffed Mackerel with Greens – a recipe full of flavor and tradition

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

A brief introduction to the recipe's history

Mackerel is a fish with delicate flesh and a refined taste, often reminding us of family meals and moments spent at a barbecue or in nature. This recipe for stuffed mackerel with greens brings a touch of freshness and flavor, making it ideal for warm days or special occasions. The green filling not only adds extra flavor but also gives the final dish a vibrant and appetizing appearance.

Necessary ingredients

- 4 fresh mackerels (approximately 1 kg)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 green onions
- 4 green garlic stalks
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the ingredients

1. Cleaning the mackerels: Start by cleaning the mackerels. Make sure to remove the intestines and rinse them well under cold running water. Make a slight incision on the belly, being careful not to cut too deep.

2. Preparing the filling: Finely chop the green onions, green garlic, dill, and parsley. These fresh greens will add not only flavor but also a colorful and appetizing look to the dish.

3. Seasoning the filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped greens with salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix well to blend the flavors.

Stuffing the mackerels

4. Seasoning the fish: Sprinkle salt and pepper inside and outside each mackerel. This step is essential to ensure a balanced taste.

5. Stuffing the mackerels: Use a spoon to fill each mackerel with the green mixture. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed. Keep some of the mixture for later use.

Preparing for baking

6. Preparing for baking: Take a sheet of aluminum foil and grease it with a little olive oil. Place each mackerel on the foil, drizzle with lemon juice, and sprinkle a spoonful of the green mixture on top.

7. Wrapping the mackerels: Wrap each mackerel in the foil, ensuring they are well sealed to prevent juices from escaping during baking.

8. Baking: Place the mackerels in a baking tray with a rack. Pour a cup of water into the tray to create steam and keep the fish moist. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes.

9. Browning the fish: After they are baked, open the aluminum foil and leave the mackerels in the oven for another 5-10 minutes to brown nicely.

Serving the dish

10. Finishing the dish: Remove the mackerels from the oven and serve them hot, drizzled with plenty of lemon juice. They are excellent alongside a fresh green salad or garnished with grilled vegetables.

Suggestions and variations

- You can add other herbs to the filling, such as basil or cilantro, to diversify the flavors.
- If you don't have mackerel, this recipe also works well with other types of fish, such as trout or sea bream.

Nutritional benefits

Mackerel is an excellent source of protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. The added greens not only enhance the flavor but also provide important vitamins and minerals, contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

Calories

A serving of stuffed mackerel with greens has approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of olive oil used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen mackerel? Yes, it is recommended to fully thaw it before preparing.
- What other sides do you recommend? Rice with vegetables or baked potatoes pair wonderfully with this dish.
- How can I vary the spices? You can experiment with spices like paprika or allspice to add a different flavor.

This stuffed mackerel recipe with greens is not only delicious but also simple to make, ideal for any occasion. I encourage you to try it and share this recipe with your loved ones, turning every meal into an occasion of joy and flavor. Enjoy your meal!