Food & recipes

Masala Fried Mackerel

By Emily McMullin

The ultimate lunchtime fish fix

Hari Ghotra’s Masala Fried Mackerel is a perfect lunchtime dish. The leading female Indian chef says: “This dish works really well with a fresh and punchy radish salad. I’ve used whole mackerel in this recipe but if fish bones aren’t your thing, then you can use the same marinade with fillets instead.” Find more of her recipes at harighotra.co.uk.

Serves 1

You’ll need:

5 black peppercorns
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 lemon
3cm piece ginger, crushed
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 whole mackerel
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt to taste

Method:

In a pestle and mortar crush the pepper, cumin, and coriander seeds and place into a bowl.
Crush the ginger and garlic and add to the bowl.
Mix in the chilli, turmeric, salt, and juice from the lemon to make a paste.
Cut slits down the sides of the fish and smear the paste over it.
Cook the fish in a frying pan on a gentle heat for about four to five minutes on each side.
Pour the oil over the fish at the end and it will crisp up.
Serve with a radish salad.