Stuffed Mackerel

(Uskumru Dolması)

2 Mackerel, (you can find it in the frozen section at the super markets)
4-5 tbsp flour, all purpose
1/2 cup sunflower oil

Stuffing:
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 tsp pine nuts
Fish meat (inside of the Mackerels)
2 tsp currants
3 stalk of parsley, washed, chopped
2 stalk of dill, washed, chopped
Pinch of cinnamon
Salt
Pepper

First, cut the mackerel's head & tail and discard. Slightly rub the fish with palm of your hand, so that the meat and the bone should separate from the skin. Also, break off the bone from the tail side. Unplug the bone from the top. Push the meat and bone outward from the tail. Discard the guts. Separate and discard the bones from the fish meat. Finely chop the meat portion (picture).

To prepare the stuffing; saute the onion and pine nuts with olive oil for about 2-3 minutes. Add the rest of the filling into the pot. Turn the heat of when the fish meat is cooked. It takes only for about 2-3 minutes. Let it cool down.

Stuff the skin of mackerel with the filling by using a teaspoon. The skin may burst during frying. To prevent this, tie the mackerel at three points with the string.

Dust the fishes with the flour. Heat up the sun flower oil in medium frying pan. Fry each side, turn them gently. Place on a paper towel to soak up any extra oil. Cut off the strings. Serve the stuffed mackerel with lemon wedges.

2 Stuffed Mackerel

*Dolma is a Turkish word means stuffed in English:).

Meal Ideas:
- Arugula Salad, Fava, Bread with Black Olives, Turkish Tahini Cake and Turkish Coffee.