Mackerel in White Wine with Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Mackerel, also known as horse mackerel, is a blue fish rich in flavor and omega-3. I will guide you through preparing a Mediterranean dish that blends the delicacy of this fish with the rusticity of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious and flavorful pairing.

Ingredients

• 4 fresh mackerel
• 200 ml dry white wine
• 400 g cherry tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves
• A few sprigs of fresh thyme
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. Rinse the mackerel, gut them if necessary, and pat dry with paper towels. Make diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish to ensure even cooking.
3. Place the mackerel in a baking dish and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of oil. Add the garlic cloves and thyme, then pour the white wine into the dish, taking care not to pour it directly over the fish.
4. Rinse the cherry tomatoes, cut them in half, and arrange them in a separate baking dish. Season with oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano for an extra Italian touch.
5. Bake both dishes. The cherry tomatoes need about 15-20 minutes to cook and caramelize slightly. The mackerel requires about 20-25 minutes of cooking, depending on their size.
6. Halfway through cooking, baste the mackerel with their cooking liquid to keep them moist and flavorful.
7. Once ready, serve the mackerel with the roasted cherry tomatoes and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.

Fun Facts

Mackerel, highly appreciated in coastal cuisines, stands out for its bold flavor, which pairs beautifully with simple ingredients like olive oil and aromatic herbs. It is common to find recipes in the Mediterranean region that highlight the freshness of the fish with the simplicity of the aromatics.

To accompany this dish, a light and crisp white wine, such as a Vermentino or a Chardonnay, is ideal for complementing the savoriness of the mackerel and the acidity of the tomatoes. Buon appetito!