Mackerel stew with parsley pesto and hazelnuts

Mackerel stew with parsley and hazelnut pesto

Are you looking for a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that brings fresh flavors and a touch of elegance to your table? The mackerel stew with parsley and hazelnut pesto is exactly what you need! This dish is not only tasty, but also very healthy, thanks to the nutrient-rich ingredients. I invite you to discover this wonderful recipe step by step, which will transform an ordinary meal into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 6 pieces of frozen mackerel fillet
- 4-5 potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root (or celery)
- 1 red onion
- 3 bay leaves
- 12 peppercorns
- 100 ml wine vinegar
- 100 ml oil
- 100 g hazelnuts or almonds
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt, to taste

Recipe story:
Mackerel stew, a dish appreciated in many cultures, brings together culinary traditions from various corners of the world. Fish is an excellent source of healthy protein, and the combination with fresh vegetables and a vibrant pesto sauce transforms it into a perfect dish for any occasion. This recipe, with influences from Mediterranean cuisine, harmoniously blends the flavors of garlic, lemon, and hazelnuts, offering a remarkable tasting experience.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by filling a pot with 3-4 liters of water and adding the peppercorns and bay leaves. Place the pot over medium heat and wait for it to reach boiling point.

2. Boiling the vegetables: Peel the potatoes, carrots, and parsley root, then wash them well. Once the water starts boiling, add the vegetables to the pot. Let them boil until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

3. Preparing the pesto: While the vegetables are boiling, prepare the parsley pesto sauce. In a blender, add the washed parsley leaves, sliced garlic cloves, hazelnuts (or almonds), a pinch of salt, lemon juice, and 100 ml of olive oil. Blend everything until you obtain a smooth paste. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

4. Preparing the fish: After the vegetables are boiled, take the thawed and washed mackerel fillets and generously salt them. Place them in a deep dish, adding onion slices on top for extra flavor. Pour in 100 ml of vinegar and enough broth from the boiled vegetables to cover the fish. Cover the dish with a lid and place it over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, let it cook for 7 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 15 minutes.

5. Assembling the dish: Prepare a ceramic dish and place the cooked mackerel fillets, diced potatoes, and carrot sticks. Pour half of the parsley sauce on top to infuse the flavors into the vegetables and fish.

6. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and blend.

7. Serving: Once the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the mackerel stew with slices of fresh lemon, parsley leaves, and the remaining pesto sauce. This dish is perfect for a family meal, but also for special occasions.

Tips and useful advice:
- Choose fresh or high-quality frozen fish for the best results. Mackerel is a fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, offering excellent nutritional benefits.
- You can replace hazelnuts with walnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences.
- Add chili pepper to the pesto if you want a spicy sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other vegetables instead of potatoes? Yes, you can use zucchini or eggplant for a lighter version.
- How can I store leftovers? You can keep the dish in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? Although it is a fish recipe, you can adapt the pesto with vegan ingredients and use steamed vegetables.

Mackerel stew with parsley and hazelnut pesto is not just a meal, but a true culinary experience. Enjoy every bite and relish the nutritional benefits of fresh ingredients. Bon appétit!