Easy Canned Mackerel Stew
A flavorful and comforting stew that turns humble canned mackerel into a hearty meal. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and savory.
Canned mackerel in tomato sauce is a pantry staple that shines in this simple, rustic stew. By layering hearty root vegetables like radish and potato with the rich fish, you create a complex, satisfying flavor profile with minimal effort. It is a fantastic example of how accessible ingredients can be transformed into a warm, nourishing dish that feels like home.
Ingredients
- 1 can mackerel in tomato sauce
- 150 g radish
- 150 g potato
- 1/2 red onion
- 1 red chili
- 2 stalks green onion
- 200 ml water
Instructions
- 1Slice the radish
Place the radish on a cutting board and slice it into thick, even rounds. These pieces will form the base of your mackerel stew.
Tip: Keeping the slices at a consistent thickness ensures they cook through evenly. - 2Slice the potatoes
Carefully slice the peeled potatoes into thick, uniform pieces. Using uniform slices helps them cook evenly in the stew.
Tip: Keep the slices about half an inch thick so they maintain their texture while simmering in the sauce. - 3Chop the red onion
Take the red onion and chop it into large, rustic chunks. These pieces will add flavor and sweetness to the stew as they soften.
Tip: Leaving the onion chunks large ensures they dont disintegrate during the longer simmering process. - 4Arrange the radish
Take the thick radish slices you just prepared and arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of your cooking pot.
Tip: This base of radish will absorb the flavors of the mackerel and tomato sauce while cooking. - 5Layer the potatoes
Gently arrange the prepared potato slices in an even layer on top of the radish in your cooking pot.
Tip: If your pot is deep, try to overlap them slightly to ensure they all get covered by the flavorful sauce. - 6Add the onions
Scatter the chopped red onion chunks over the layer of potatoes in the pot.
Tip: Distributing them evenly helps infuse the onion flavor throughout the entire stew. - 7Add the mackerel
Open a can of mackerel in tomato sauce. Carefully place the fish pieces into the pot, layering them over the potatoes and onions.
Tip: Be gentle when handling the mackerel pieces so they maintain their shape during the stewing process. - 8Add the sauce
After adding the fish, pour the remaining tomato sauce from the can directly over the ingredients in the pot to ensure all the flavor is included.
Tip: Dont leave any sauce behind; it is packed with flavor that will serve as the base for your stew. - 9Add water and simmer
Pour 200ml of water into the pot to submerge the ingredients slightly. Bring the stew to a simmer and let it cook until the vegetables are tender.
Tip: Keep an eye on the heat so the stew simmers gently rather than boiling rapidly. - 10Garnish with green onions
Once the stew has simmered and is bubbling, add the freshly sliced green onion sections to the pot. They add a vibrant color and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the mackerel and tomato sauce.
Tip: Add the green onions at the very end to keep their bright green color and crisp texture.
