Mackerel brine

Mackerel Brine: A Traditional Recipe Full of Flavor

When it comes to fish dishes, nothing compares to a delicious brine. This mackerel brine recipe is not only a true feast for the taste buds but also an excellent way to preserve the fresh taste of the fish. Brine is a preservation technique that combines intense flavors with a juicy texture, transforming a simple ingredient into a special dish. Let’s discover together how to prepare the perfect mackerel brine!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of cleaned mackerel
- 1.5 liters of water
- 2 tablespoons of salt (or to taste)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2-3 dried red chili peppers (or fresh, as preferred)
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 400 g of fresh tomatoes (or 200 g of tomato paste)
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Preparation:

1. Preparing the fish: If you haven’t bought cleaned mackerel, make sure to clean it carefully. Remove the intestines and rinse well under cold water. You can leave the fish whole or cut it into portions, depending on your preferences.

2. Boiling the brine: In a large pot, add the water and bring it to a boil. When the water starts boiling, add the salt, crushed garlic, chili pepper, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir well and let it boil for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

3. Adding the tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into small cubes or use tomato paste. Add the tomatoes to the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This step is essential as the tomatoes release their juice, enriching the brine with a fresh and delicious flavor.

4. Cooking the fish: Once the brine is ready, add the mackerel to the pot. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked and the flavors are well integrated. Make sure the fish is completely covered by the liquid.

5. Transferring to the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. After the fish has boiled, carefully transfer it to a heat-resistant dish. You can also add a few tablespoons of the brine for extra flavor.

6. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for about 30 minutes. This step will intensify the flavors and ensure a juicy texture for the mackerel.

7. Preparing the side dish: While the fish is baking, you can prepare a delicious side dish of rice with carrots and green beans. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, adding diced carrots and green beans for a touch of freshness.

8. Serving: Serve the mackerel brine hot, alongside the rice with carrots and green beans. You can add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Useful tips:
- If you prefer a spicier taste, you can add more chili peppers or even a bit of chili sauce to the brine.
- The mackerel can be replaced with other types of fish, such as herring or salmon, depending on your preferences.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add some green or black olives to the brine.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This mackerel brine recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. A serving of mackerel cooked this way contains approximately 350 calories, with a high nutrient content and low carbohydrate level. The vegetables used in the side dish add vitamins and minerals, making this dish a balanced and nutritious choice.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen fish? Yes, but make sure to completely thaw it before cooking.
- Can I prepare the brine in advance? Sure, you can make the brine a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The next day, you can gently reheat it and add the fish.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? Wine experts recommend a dry white wine that will perfectly complement the intense flavors of the fish.

I hope this mackerel brine recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and flavorful moments with your loved ones! Enjoy!