Mackerel in Foil with Vegetable Garnish

To prepare a delicious and healthy meal, we start by cleaning the fish. They should be carefully washed under a stream of cold water, making sure to remove any impurities. After washing, we dry them with a clean kitchen towel, being careful to remove excess water. This is an essential step, as it will help us achieve a nicely browned crust during cooking.

We continue by rubbing the fish with a mixture of spices and olive oil, ensuring that we cover every part of the fish, including the belly. This marinating will give the fish a rich and succulent flavor. Freshly squeezed juice from half a lemon is then added, bringing a note of freshness and acidity that will balance the flavors.

After we have finished preparing the fish, we place them on a piece of aluminum foil greased with a little oil, so they do not stick. Inside the belly of each fish, we add a pinch of rosemary, and on top, we place a cube of butter that will melt during baking, enriching the taste. Also, a few sprigs of fresh parsley will add color and flavor.

We tightly wrap the foil, making sure not to leave any openings, and twist the ends up to prevent the sauce from leaking. We place the packets in the oven at a medium temperature and let them bake for about 30 minutes. It is important to be careful of the steam that is released when opening the foil, as it can be very hot.

In the meantime, we take care of the vegetable side dish. We boil 2 liters of water, and when it starts to boil, we add the cut carrots, which require a longer boiling time. We also add a little salt, pepper, vegetable seasoning, and a few bay leaves to enhance the flavor. The carrots boil for about 15 minutes, but we can check their consistency depending on the thickness of the slices.

After the carrots are ready, we remove them and add the cauliflower florets, which were previously soaked in salted water. These will boil for 10 minutes, after which we remove them from the water. Finally, we add the broccoli florets and blanch them for a minute to preserve their vibrant color and crunchy texture.

We serve the fish hot alongside the vegetable side dish, and over the broccoli, we can add a splash of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and some grated cheese for extra flavor. This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, offering a perfect balance between the proteins from the fish and the vitamins from the vegetables. Enjoy your meal!