Sgombro al Vino Rosso: A Deliciously Simple Italian Dish

Sgombro al Vino Rosso, or mackerel in red wine, is a delightful Italian dish that perfectly balances the rich flavors of the fish with the acidity and depth of red wine. This dish is not only delicious but also quite easy to prepare, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. From my own personal experience, the combination of fresh herbs and red wine creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the mackerel to new heights. Let me show you how I make this flavorful dish.

Notes on What to Expect

You can expect a beautifully cooked fish that is tender and flaky, enhanced by the rich, aromatic sauce. The flavors of the red wine, combined with the savory garlic and onion, create a delightful dish that is both comforting and elegant.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 280 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $15-$20 (varies by region and season)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Dish

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Cooking spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Serving plate
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Sgombro al Vino Rosso  here.

Ingredients

• 4 mackerel fillets, skin on
• 1 cup dry red wine (such as Chianti or Merlot)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: lemon wedges for serving
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Sgombro al Vino Rosso  here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the mackerel fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps to remove any excess moisture.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
4. Sear the Fish: Gently place the mackerel fillets in the skillet, skin side down. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
5. Deglaze with Wine: Carefully pour in the red wine, allowing it to bubble up. This will deglaze the pan and incorporate all those delicious flavors.
6. Add Herbs: Sprinkle the thyme into the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mackerel simmer in the wine for about 10 minutes. The fish should be cooked through and easily flake apart with a fork.
7. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the dish stand for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. Serve the mackerel on a plate, spooning the red wine sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Variations

• Fish Substitute: If mackerel isn’t available, you can use sardines or herring, which will also work well with this recipe.
• Wine Alternatives: For a lighter flavor, you could substitute the red wine with white wine or even a splash of vinegar for acidity.

Tips

• Fresh Herbs: Always use fresh herbs when possible for the best flavor. If using dried herbs, remember they are more potent, so use half the amount.
• Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fish fillets. Thicker fillets may need a little extra time to cook through.

Substitutions for Specific Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth instead of wine and adjust seasoning to taste.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Sgombro al Vino Rosso  here.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

I hope this guide has made making Sgombro al Vino Rosso 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!