Healthy Mediterranean Mackerel Fish Stew with Fresh Autumn Tomatoes

Servings: 6 Portions

INGREDIENTS

750g Mackerel, (approx. 14 pieces)
7 medium Fresh Tomatoes, diced (approx. 990 g)
1 large Onion, chopped (approx. 220 g)
8 cloves Garlic, chopped (approx. 50 g)
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Tomato Paste
1 tsp Dried Thyme
1/2 tsp Chili Paste, Optional
1/2 tsp Salt, to taste
1/8 tsp Black Pepper, to taste
1 stalk of Green Onion, Finely chopped for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Sauté Aromatics
1. Heat the Olive Oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped Garlic and Onion. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the onions are soft, transparent, and fragrant.

Build the Tomato Base
1. Add the diced Tomatoes, Dried Thyme, Tomato Paste, and the optional Chili Paste to the pot.
Stir well to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low.
3. Let the sauce cook for 15 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, stir the mixture gently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Season and Add Mackerel
1. Taste the sauce and season it lightly with the initial 1/2 teaspoon of Salt and the 1/8 teaspoon of Black Pepper. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
2. Gently place the Mackerel pieces into the stew. Arrange them carefully so they are submerged in the sauce.
Note: Do not stir heavily at this stage, as the fish will break up easily.
3. Cover the pot again and let it simmer for another 15 minutes or until the mackerel is opaque, cooked through, and easily flakes with a fork.

Serve and Garnish
1. Spoon the stew immediately into warm bowls, ensuring each serving gets plenty of the rich tomato broth and mackerel.
2. Garnish with the finely chopped Green Onion.
3. Serving Suggestion: This stew is fantastic served on its own, or with a side of rice, crusty bread, or boiled potatoes to soak up the sauce.

Enjoy your unique and hearty stew!