Discovering the Italian Tradition: Marinated Mackerel Recipe
Imagine yourself in a kitchen filled with the intense aromas of vinegar and onions harmoniously blending with the delicate scent of fresh fish. This is where a classic Italian dish comes to life, perfect for those who love bold flavors and recipes steeped in history.
I’m talking about those mackerels prepared using an ancient method that makes them utterly irresistible: marinated mackerel. This culinary technique has ancient roots and turns simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors dancing on the palate. The sweetness of sultana raisins and the crunchiness of pine nuts merge with the tenderness of breaded mackerel, creating a surprising contrast.
I still remember when my grandmother would open the fridge, revealing that dish brimming with love and patience; it was hard to resist the temptation to taste that gastronomic masterpiece immediately. But like any respectable dish, this one also requires patience: after resting for a whole day, it becomes even more exquisite.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in this culinary experience? Get your taste buds ready to welcome one of the treasures of Italian cuisine!
Recipe Notes
- EASE: This is a classic Italian recipe with just a few simple steps.
- PROS: You’ll get crispy mackerel and an irresistible sweet and sour sauce.
- CONS: It requires a day of chilling in the fridge before serving.
- PREPARATION: Quick and easy, perfect for a special lunch or dinner.
- NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 350 calories per serving, a rich source of protein and healthy fats.
Ingredients Notes for the Recipe
- Mackerel: a fish packed with omega-3 and protein
- Onions: add a sweet flavor and crunchy texture to the dish
- Pine Nuts and Golden Raisins: bring crunchiness and sweetness to the sauce
- White Wine Vinegar and Red Wine: provide a balanced acidity to the dish
- Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Flour: basic ingredients for the preparation
Nutritional Aspects
Let’s explore the benefits of this marinated mackerel recipe, a tasty and nourishing dish.
- High in Omega-3 thanks to the mackerel, great for your heart.
- A good source of lean protein, perfect for a balanced diet.
- Raisins provide natural sweetness and a boost of energy.
- Pine nuts add crunch and are rich in healthy minerals.
- Vinegar and red wine bring in beneficial antioxidants for the body.
- A low-calorie dish, with approximately 350 calories per serving.
Recipe for Sgombri In Carpione
Ingredients
- 4 Mackerel Mackerel
- 2 Onions Onion
- Pine Nuts Pine Nuts 60 g of
- Sultana Raisins Sultana Raisins 60 g of
- White Wine Vinegar White Wine Vinegar 75 cl of
- Red Wine Red Wine 25 cl of
- Olive Oil to taste Olive Oil
- Flour to taste Flour
- Salt to taste Salt
- Pepper to taste Pepper
Instructions
- Start by peeling and thinly slicing the onions.
- Thoroughly clean the mackerel, wash them and then coat them in flour, removing any excess.
- Heat plenty of olive oil in a pan and fry the mackerel until they are golden brown on both sides.
- Once cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary and sauté the onions with a pinch of salt and pepper until they become translucent.
- Add the pine nuts and the sultana raisins previously soaked in warm water and squeezed, mixing the ingredients well.
- Pour the red wine into the pan with the onions, pine nuts, and raisins, letting it reduce by 50% over medium-high heat.
- Finally, add the white wine vinegar and bring to a boil for about ten minutes, until the sauce is slightly reduced.
- Arrange the mackerel in a baking dish, creating alternating layers with the prepared sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a suitable lid and let it rest in the refrigerator for a whole day before serving.
Notes
Variations of Pickled Mackerel Recipe
Add your own twist to the traditional pickled mackerel recipe:
- Include fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking for added flavor
- Swap out raisins for black currants for a more intense taste
- Try using apple cider vinegar instead of white wine vinegar for a fruity note
- Experiment with smoked mackerel for a smoky twist on the classic recipe
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
If you have any doubts about preparing pickled mackerel, you’ll find the answers to the most common questions here.
How can I personalize the recipe with a unique twist?
You can elevate the recipe by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the cooking process of the vinegar and red wine to infuse intense and balanced flavors into the dish.
