Sgombro al Pomodoro (Mackerel in Tomato Sauce)
Sgombro al Pomodoro
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 4 fresh mackerel fillets about 150g each
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
- Lemon wedges for serving optional
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse the mackerel fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the diced tomatoes and herbs.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices.
- Add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Mackerel:
- Gently place the mackerel fillets skin-side down into the sauce.
- Spoon some of the sauce over the fillets to keep them moist.
- Cover the skillet and let the fish cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mackerel is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Finishing Touches:
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.
- Variations
- Herb Variations: You can use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley instead of oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute mackerel with hearty vegetables like eggplant or zucchini, cooking them in the sauce until tender.
Sgombro al Pomodoro is a delicious and straightforward Italian dish that highlights the rich flavors of mackerel paired with a tangy tomato sauce. This dish not only showcases the beautiful taste of fresh fish but also brings a healthy option to your dinner table. The combination of the savory tomato sauce with tender mackerel makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. From my own personal experience, I’ve found that this recipe is a fantastic way to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Let me show you how I make this delightful dish.
Notes on What to Expect
This dish combines the rich, oily flavor of mackerel with the tangy sweetness of tomatoes, resulting in a well-balanced meal. The sauce is light yet flavorful, making it a perfect companion for crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 350
- Cost of Ingredients: $12 – $15 (depending on local prices)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving platter
- Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Sgombro al Pomodoro here.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh mackerel fillets (about 150g each)
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
- Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Sgombro al Pomodoro here.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse the mackerel fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the diced tomatoes and herbs.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices.
- Add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Mackerel:
- Gently place the mackerel fillets skin-side down into the sauce.
- Spoon some of the sauce over the fillets to keep them moist.
- Cover the skillet and let the fish cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mackerel is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Finishing Touches:
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.
Variations
- Herb Variations: You can use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley instead of oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute mackerel with hearty vegetables like eggplant or zucchini, cooking them in the sauce until tender.
- Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Sgombro al Pomodoro here.
Tips and Substitutions
- Fish Options: If you can’t find mackerel, you can substitute it with salmon or trout for similar results.
- Canned Tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to use them instead of canned for a fresher taste.
- Dietary Needs: For gluten-free diets, this dish is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any bread served alongside is also gluten-free.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
Closing
I hope this guide has made preparing Sgombro al Pomodoro seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love to hear feedback from real people like you, so please leave your honest comment!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>