Sgombro al Forno con Erbe (Baked Mackerel with Herbs)
Sgombro al Forno
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 4 whole mackerel cleaned and scaled
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons 1 sliced, 1 juiced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- Fresh herbs such as parsley, rosemary, and thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes halved (for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Method
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Mackerel
- Rinse the mackerel under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Make a few diagonal cuts on each side of the fish to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Season the Fish
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the mackerel, including inside the cavity and in the cuts you made.
- Add Herbs and Lemon
- Stuff the cavity of each fish with fresh herbs and lemon slices. If you're using cherry tomatoes, you can place them around the fish in the baking dish for added flavor.
- Prepare the Baking Dish
- Place the mackerel in a baking dish. If you prefer a moist fish, cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake the Fish
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up.
- Rest and Serve
- Once cooked, let the fish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain moisture and enhances the flavor.
- Garnish and Enjoy
- Serve the mackerel with additional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish.
- Variations
- Herb Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as dill or basil, based on your preference.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the oil mixture for a bit of heat.
- Vegetable Addition: Toss in some sliced bell peppers or zucchini in the baking dish for added nutrition.
Sgombro al Forno con Erbe is a delightful Italian dish that showcases the beautiful flavors of mackerel, paired with fragrant herbs. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also offers a nutritious meal packed with omega-3 fatty acids and other health benefits. From my own personal experience, I’ve found that this recipe is a fantastic way to impress guests or simply enjoy a hearty weeknight dinner. The fresh herbs elevate the fish’s flavor, making it a truly delightful dish. Let me show you how I make Sgombro al Forno con Erbe.
Notes on What to Expect
When making Sgombro al Forno con Erbe, you can expect a beautifully cooked fish that is bursting with flavor. The herbs and lemon infuse the mackerel, making it juicy and aromatic. It pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad, perfect for a complete meal.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 280
- Cost of Ingredients: About $15-20
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course
- Equipment Needed:
- Baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Sgombro al Forno con Erbe here.
Ingredients
- 4 whole mackerel, cleaned and scaled
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 juiced)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, rosemary, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes, halved (for extra flavor)
-
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Sgombro al Forno con Erbe here.
Method
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare the Mackerel
Rinse the mackerel under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Make a few diagonal cuts on each side of the fish to allow the flavors to penetrate. - Season the Fish
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the mackerel, including inside the cavity and in the cuts you made. - Add Herbs and Lemon
Stuff the cavity of each fish with fresh herbs and lemon slices. If you’re using cherry tomatoes, you can place them around the fish in the baking dish for added flavor. - Prepare the Baking Dish
Place the mackerel in a baking dish. If you prefer a moist fish, cover the dish with aluminum foil. - Bake the Fish
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up. - Rest and Serve
Once cooked, let the fish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain moisture and enhances the flavor. - Garnish and Enjoy
Serve the mackerel with additional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish.
Variations
- Herb Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as dill or basil, based on your preference.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the oil mixture for a bit of heat.
- Vegetable Addition: Toss in some sliced bell peppers or zucchini in the baking dish for added nutrition.
Tips
- Fish Freshness: Always choose fresh mackerel for the best flavor. Look for shiny skin and a fresh smell.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Dietary Substitutions: For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
-
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Sgombro al Forno con Erbe here.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
Closing
I hope this guide has made making Sgombro al Forno con Erbe 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 a real person 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! =>>