Baked trout with greens

Recipe for Baked Mackerel with Herbs

Discover the magic of preparing baked mackerel with herbs, a delicious and healthy dish, perfect for a refined dinner or a family lunch. This simple and quick recipe, with a total preparation time of 50 minutes, will bring a succulent fish to your table, flavored with lemon and fresh herbs.

Number of servings: 2

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes

Ingredients:
- 2 fresh mackerels
- 3-4 lemons (for slicing and juice)
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- A handful of fresh rosemary, chopped
- A handful of fresh mint, chopped
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Start by cleaning and washing the mackerels well. Make sure to remove all impurities and possibly scales from the fish. It is essential that the fish is fresh, so check the eyes and gills to ensure they are clear and red.

2. Slice the lemons thinly. These will add a special flavor and fresh taste to the mackerel. Prepare the fresh herbs by washing them well and drying them carefully. The parsley, rosemary, and mint will bring a Mediterranean flavor to this dish.

3. Fill each mackerel with the lemon slices and chopped herbs. Make sure the fish is well stuffed to maximize the flavor.

4. Place the mackerels on a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap them completely. Drizzle the fish with olive oil and pour the juice of one lemon over them. This step will help maintain juiciness and intensify the flavors.

5. Wrap the foil tightly, ensuring that the liquid stays inside. This will create a delicious steam that will cook the fish evenly.

6. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the wrapped mackerels in the oven and let them bake for 20 minutes.

7. After this time, remove the mackerels from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil. Leave the fish in its juices in the dish, and return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. It is important to turn the mackerels on both sides halfway through the time to achieve even browning.

8. Once the mackerels are cooked, remove them from the oven, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving: This dish pairs perfectly with a side of boiled potatoes and broccoli. The potatoes can be boiled plain or, for a more flavorful version, drizzle them with a little olive oil and sprinkle with herbs.

Personal suggestion: For an extra flavor boost, add some Kalamata olives to the side or a yogurt sauce with lemon and herbs, which will complement the taste of the mackerel perfectly.

This baked mackerel with herbs recipe is not only easy to make but also extremely healthy. The fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and the combination of lemon and fresh herbs gives it an irresistible flavor. Enjoy every bite and savor a delicious meal! Bon appétit!