Sgombro al Sale (Mackerel in Salt)

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Sgombro al Sale

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Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Baking dish, aluminum foil, kitchen scale, knife, cutting board

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 4 whole mackerel cleaned and scaled (about 1 pound each)
• 2 cups coarse sea salt
• Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, optional for stuffing
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Variations
• Spices: You can add black pepper garlic powder, or chili flakes to the salt for added flavor.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as dill or rosemary for a unique twist.
• Fish: This method can also be used with other fish like trout or sardines.
• Tips
• Freshness: Ensure your mackerel is fresh for the best taste. Look for bright eyes and shiny skin.
• Salting: The salt crust will keep the fish moist so don't skimp on it.
• Serving: This dish is best served immediately but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days.
• Substitutions for Specific Dietary Needs
• Low-Sodium: Use a lower amount of salt or try using salt substitutes for a healthier option.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Instructions

 

• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Step 1: Prepare the Fish
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Rinse the mackerel under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
• If desired, stuff the cavity of each fish with fresh herbs for additional flavor.
• Step 2: Make the Salt Mixture
• In a large bowl, combine the coarse sea salt with a little water to moisten it slightly. The mixture should be damp but not wet.
• Step 3: Salt the Fish
• Spread half of the salt mixture evenly on the bottom of a baking dish.
• Place the mackerel on top of the salt layer.
• Cover the mackerel completely with the remaining salt mixture, pressing down gently to form a crust.
• Step 4: Bake the Fish
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. The fish is done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
• Step 5: Let It Stand
• Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it stand for about 10 minutes. This allows the fish to finish cooking gently.
• Step 6: Serve
• Carefully crack the salt crust open with a knife and remove the fish. Be cautious of any excess salt.
• Transfer the mackerel to a serving platter, drizzle with olive oil, and serve with lemon wedges.

Keyword Sgombro, Sgombro al Sale

Sgombro al Sale is a classic Italian dish that’s not only simple to prepare but also highlights the fresh flavors of the sea. The mackerel is seasoned with salt, which enhances its natural taste while ensuring it remains moist and tender. This dish is perfect for a family meal or a dinner party, and it’s a great way to introduce yourself to cooking fish if you haven’t done so before. From my own personal experience, serving it with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon elevates the dish even further. Let me show you how I make this delicious dish.

Notes on What to Expect

When you prepare Sgombro al Sale, expect the fish to be incredibly moist and flavorful due to the salt crust method. The skin will be slightly salty, which contrasts beautifully with the tender flesh. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy the natural taste of mackerel, and it’s sure to impress your family or guests.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300
• Cost of Ingredients: $15-$20
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Equipment Needed: Baking dish, aluminum foil, kitchen scale, knife, cutting board
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Sgombro al Sale  here.

Ingredients

• 4 whole mackerel, cleaned and scaled (about 1 pound each)
• 2 cups coarse sea salt
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme), optional for stuffing
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Variations

• Spices: You can add black pepper, garlic powder, or chili flakes to the salt for added flavor.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as dill or rosemary for a unique twist.
• Fish: This method can also be used with other fish like trout or sardines.

Tips

• Freshness: Ensure your mackerel is fresh for the best taste. Look for bright eyes and shiny skin.
• Salting: The salt crust will keep the fish moist, so don’t skimp on it.
• Serving: This dish is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days.

Substitutions for Specific Dietary Needs

• Low-Sodium: Use a lower amount of salt or try using salt substitutes for a healthier option.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Sgombro al Sale  here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the mackerel under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. If desired, stuff the cavity of each fish with fresh herbs for additional flavor.

Step 2: Make the Salt Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the coarse sea salt with a little water to moisten it slightly. The mixture should be damp but not wet.

Step 3: Salt the Fish

1. Spread half of the salt mixture evenly on the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Place the mackerel on top of the salt layer.
3. Cover the mackerel completely with the remaining salt mixture, pressing down gently to form a crust.

Step 4: Bake the Fish

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. The fish is done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Let It Stand

1. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it stand for about 10 minutes. This allows the fish to finish cooking gently.

Step 6: Serve

1. Carefully crack the salt crust open with a knife and remove the fish. Be cautious of any excess salt.
2. Transfer the mackerel to a serving platter, drizzle with olive oil, and serve with lemon wedges

> Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Sgombro al Sale  here.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Sodium: 500mg (adjust based on salt use)
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 1.5g

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide has made making Sgombro al Sale seem a little less daunting, or 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! Enjoy your cooking journey!