Levi's spicy mackerel hot pot
Escape the cold weather and transport your taste buds to the Caribbean with Levi Roots' spicy mackerel hot pot!
Serves 4Prep: 20 minutesCook: 20 minutes, plus marinating time
Ingredients:2 whole mackerel, gutted, or 4 filletsJuice of 1 lime6-7 medium chunky potatoes (waxy rather than floury but not too small)Water, as needed½ tsp ground allspiceSalt and freshly cracked black pepper3 tbsp sunflower or groundnut oil1 red onion, coarsely chopped1 pepper, (colour of your choice) deseeded and sliced2 tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped2 cloves garlic, finely chopped1 hot red chilli, seeded and finely chopped3 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves picked1 tbsp coarsely chopped fresh corianderLime wedges, as needed
Method:
Cut the head and tail from the mackerel (the fishmonger at your supermarket will do this for you) and cut the body of each one into 3 chunks. Cover the fish pieces with the juice of ½ lime and leave them in the refrigerator to marinate for around 30 minutes.
Slice the potatoes into medium thick slices if they are large or just slice in half length ways if they are small
Add 1 tbsp of oil to a pan of water and add the potatoes then bring to the boil and simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until they are soft and cooked. Remove with a slotted spoon when they are cooked.
Set the mackerel in a medium saucepan, and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, and cook, covered, until completely tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Lift the fish out from the cooking liquid with a slotted spoon. Remove, and discard the bones and skin, if desired, and break the flesh into good meaty flakes. Sprinkle the chunks with the allspice, the remaining lime juice, and season with salt, and pepper, to taste.
Pour the remaining 2 tbsp oil into a large frying pan over medium heat. Gently fry the onion and pepper until softened, then add the tomatoes, garlic, chilli, thyme, and season with salt, and pepper, and cook until everything has softened. Add the mackerel, gently stir, and heat through.
Lay the potatoes on top of the mackerel and serve sprinkled with the coriander and accompanied by lime wedges
Note: This recipe will work with any of your favourite fish.