Mackerel Cured in Olive Oil
- 8 mackerel fillets (from 3 pounds whole mackerel)
- Juice of 2 lemons, or more depending on size (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
- Lay the mackerel in a single layer in an 11- or 12-inch skillet, preferably stainless steel.
- The pan should be just big enough so that the fish fillets, nestled side by side, cover the bottom.
- Pour 2 cups or more water and the lemon juice over the fillets to cover them, and sprinkle half the peppercorns and 1 teaspoon of the salt over.
- Set the pan over medium heat, and bring to a slow rolling boil.
- Turn down the heat, and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
- Prop up a large wooden or plastic cutting board at a moderate angle, tipping toward the sink.
- When the fillets are done (to check: the point of a knife should slip through the center easily), remove them carefully from the pan with a slotted spatula and lay them on the board.
- Let them drain and cool completely.
- Select a shallow glass or ceramic dish that will just hold the fillets in one layer, or you can use a smaller, slightly deeper dish that will accommodate two layers of fillets.
- Arrange the mackerel in whichever dish, sprinkle each layer lightly with salt and the remaining peppercorns, and pour in enough of the olive oil to cover the fillets.
- If you are using the mackerel the same day, let it marinate for 2 to 3 hours at room temperature.
- Otherwise, cover securely with plastic wrap and store for up to a month in the refrigerator.
- Bring back to room temperature 2 hours before serving.
mackerel, lemons, black peppercorns, salt, extravirgin olive oil
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/mackerel-cured-in-olive-oil-384375 (may not work)