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Sgombro al Sale #sgombroalsale #sgombro #cookingislove #cookingwithlove #cookingfishtoday #cookingideas # sgombro #sgombroalsale #sgombroincrosta #scuimmo #scummo #mackerel #salt Sgombro al Sale (Mackerel in Salt)

Sgombro al Sale

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