Mackerel in parchment

Mackerel in parchment is a cooking method that enhances the fish’s flavor while keeping it moist and tasty, with the addition of Mediterranean aromas that perfectly match this type of blue fish. Here’s the recipe to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized fresh mackerel, gutted and cleaned
• 2 cloves of garlic
• A few sprigs of rosemary
• 1 organic lemon
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• White wine (a few tablespoons)
• 2 sheets of parchment paper

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
2. Prepare the fish: wash the mackerel under running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Make diagonal cuts on the sides to better absorb the aromas during cooking.
3. Take the parchment paper sheets and lightly grease them with oil.
4. Place each mackerel on a sheet of parchment paper. Fill the cavity of the fish with a pinch of salt, pepper, a slice of lemon, a clove of garlic, and a sprig of rosemary. You could also add a thin slice of lemon on the previously made cuts.
5. Drizzle a thread of oil and a pinch of salt and pepper over the surface of the fish.
6. Add a couple of tablespoons of white wine over each mackerel.
7. Close the parchment paper bundles, making sure they are well sealed so the steam doesn’t escape.
8. Place the parcels on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes.
9. Remove the mackerel from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before opening them, being careful of the steam that will have formed inside.

Curiosity

Mackerel is very rich in Omega-3, essential good fats for the health of the heart and circulatory system. Cooking in parchment allows preserving these nutrients, as well as maintaining the natural flavors of the fish intact.

And for a final touch, don’t forget to serve the mackerel with a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice, which will help to enhance the seafood flavor of the dish. Enjoy your meal!