Baked Mackerel with Aromatic Vegetables
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Mackerel is a delightful fish to catch, especially in Maine, where it’s plentiful. This Baked Mackerel recipe combines the fresh flavors of vegetables and herbs, offering a simple yet elegant dish. While the original recipe calls for 2 2-pound mackerel, you can easily adapt it for smaller fish by adjusting the baking time.
Ingredients:
- 2 whole mackerel (about 2 pounds each)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1/2 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the mackerel will cook evenly and achieve a perfect, golden finish.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the finely chopped onion, sliced carrot, chopped green pepper, bay leaf, vinegar, and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften.
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Remove the Bay Leaf: After the sauce has cooked, be sure to remove the bay leaf from the mixture. Bay leaves are flavorful but tough, and you don’t want them to be a part of the final dish.
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Assemble the Dish: Place the cleaned mackerel in a baking dish. Pour the prepared sauce over the fish, ensuring it is well coated. The vegetables and aromatic herbs will infuse the fish with delicious flavors as it bakes.
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Bake the Mackerel: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake the mackerel for 30 to 40 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your fish. For smaller mackerel, start checking for doneness at around 25 minutes. The fish should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and thyme if desired. Serve the mackerel hot, alongside your favorite side dishes.
This Baked Mackerel with Aromatic Vegetables is perfect for a comforting meal that highlights the fresh, simple flavors of Maine’s seafood. Enjoy this easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household! 🐟🍽️🌿
