To Boil Mackerel

Ingredients

• mackerel
• salt
• water
• fennel sauce or gooseberry sauce
• plain melted butter

Instructions

1. Open the mackerel sufficiently to clean the insides thoroughly, but no more than necessary.
2. Empty the fish with care and set the roes aside.
3. Wash both the roes and the fish delicately clean.
4. Lay the cleaned mackerel into cold water, or bring them to boil in hot water if they are small and delicate.
5. Stir the usual proportion of salt into the water before putting the mackerel in.
6. Bring gently to boil and simmer until done.
7. Clear off the scum as it rises.
8. If the roes are very large, lay them on the fish-plate beside the mackerel rather than inside it, as they may require more boiling time than the fish itself.
9. Watch carefully and lift out the mackerel as soon as the tails split and the eyes are starting.
10. Dish on a napkin and serve with fennel or gooseberry sauce and plain melted butter.